Treatment Options For Gastroparesis

Gastric Electrical Stimulation

Food moving significantly slowly through the stomach is what causes gastroparesis symptoms but stimulating the stomach muscles may allow food to move more efficiently through the stomach and into the small intestine. With this treatment option, patients receive a device implanted into their body, which is what stimulates the muscles. For most individuals who have this condition due to diabetes, this treatment appears to be beneficial even though studies show mixed results. While larger studies are necessary, the Food and Drug Administration does let doctors implant this device using the exemption for compassionate use. However, only patients who have severe symptoms uncontrolled by medications or diet changes usually qualify. A similar device, called gastric pacing, is currently in the clinical trial phase. The general premise is the same as it also stimulates the stomach muscles, but researchers hope the contractions it produces will be closer to normal stomach contractions compared to gastric electrical stimulation.

Continue reading to learn about tube feeding and how it relates to this condition.