¿Qué es la Gastroparesia?
Its a disease that decreases the the capacity of the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine, but not due to an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.
What is the cause?
The precise cause is unknown. It can be caused by an interruption in the conduction of nervous signals to the stomach. This is a common complication of diabetes, or in cases when previous surgeries resulted in severed nerves around the esophagus or stomach, as well as the use of anticholergenic medications.
What are the symptoms?
There can be abdominal bloating, sensation of fullness quickly after eating, dehydration, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and weight loss when the disease is chronic.
How is it diagnosed?
Examinations needed for diagnosis are:
- -Endoscpy
- -X ray studies
Endoscopy is the most effective diagnostic tool in the case of gastroparesis. A flexible scope is introduced through the mouth which is capable of showing real-time images of the interior digestive organs. In addition to being a diagnostic tool, and endoscopy allows the treatment of associated complications as are hemorrhage or an obstruction.
X ray studies
In the case of gastroparesis, it is necessary to undergo a study of gastric flow. This radiology test can help visualize complications in the emptying of the stomach.
How is gastroparesis treated?
Diabetic patients must correct there blood sugar levels in order to minimize the symptoms. Eating smaller, frequent meals consisting of soft food can also improve the symptoms. Some cholirgenic medications, as well as erythromycin and procinetics are utilized to treat this illness. Botox may be injected in the surface of the stomach by means of endoscopy.
It is possible to bypass the obstruction by surgically creating a new connection between the stomach and the intestine by laparoscopy. This invasive procedure requires incisions through the abdomen and a few days of hospital stay.
Currently, the most advanced treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed through endoscopy. This method is called G-POEM, and it allows the physician to enlarge the narrowing on the gastric tract. By means of endoscopy, a cut in the mucous of the stomach is made close to the opening of the stomach into the small intestine underneath the lining of the stomach. The muscular fibers are cut using the endoscope in order to reduce the narrowing, and the incision is closed using staples, all without the need to make any open wounds. The day after the procedure an x ray study confirms the adequate flow of fluids from the stomach into the intestine.
This modern endoscopic treatment is performed at a hospital equipped with the proper tools to perform the procedure, such as CO2 insufflator, Water Jet (high-pressure water injector), Erbe (electrocoagulation equipment), and a variety of specialized endoscopic knives to achieve the myotomy, or cut of the muscle, without the need for open or laparoscopic surgery.
Con la realización de estos procedimientos estamos a la vanguardia en los tratamientos de mínima invasión utilizando Endoscopia Terapéutica Avanzada.