Treatment options for gastroparesis
Know your options
If you suffer from symptoms of gastroparesis, understanding your treatment options can be an important first step towards relief.
Below are a number of treatment options that your doctor may recommend to help you manage your symptoms of chronic nausea and vomiting.
Diet changes
An adjusted diet may include increasing fluid intake, limiting fats and plant-based fibre, and eating smaller, more frequent meals to maintain adequate nutrition and minimise symptoms.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES)
A small, surgically implanted device (Enterra® Therapy System) emits a weak electrical current to stimulate the stomach muscles.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) stimulation is suitable for people whose gastroparesis symptoms do not improve after taking medication. A combination of GES with Enterra® Therapy, dietary changes and medication is often necessary to effectively control nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis.
In Europe, Enterra® Therapy is indicated for the treatment of chronic, medication-resistant nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis in patients aged 18 to 70 years.
Medication
Two types of medication are often used to treat symptoms:
Prokinetic medication: Improves the rate of gastric emptying.
Antiemetics: Controls nausea and vomiting (but not gastric emptying).
Enteral nutrition
Often used temporarily or for severe symptoms, liquid food is administered directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Typically used when enteral nutrition is insufficient or not well tolerated. TPN delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) infusion.
Stomach or intestinal surgery
Usually performed when no other treatments provide relief. Part or all of the stomach may be removed, and a feeding tube may be inserted into the stomach or intestinal wall.