Cheyenne
Idiopathic GP
Prince Edward Island, Canada


 


Gastroparesis can be caused by a number of factors.  Although not all causes are proven or known, it can be connected with a number of disorders.

-Diabetes is the most common cause123

-Surgery of the upper intestinal tract (Nissen Fundoplication, Gastric Bypass surgery, Small Bowel Transplants). Surgery may injure the vagus nerve which is responsible for causing the stomach muscles to contract, pushing food out of the stomach1.  In some instances, post-surgical gastroparesis is temporary and the stomach returns to normal after healing. 2

-Neurological disorders13

-Neuromuscular disorders2

-Rheumatoid or Immune Deficiency Disorders  (scleroderma, lupus)2

-Idiopathic (no known cause) 1

-Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia).  Gastroparesis often improves once food intake and eating schedules normalize. 23  Often due to the stomach muscle weakening because of lack of use.

-A blockage caused by ulcers and/or tumors could imitate Gastroparesis3

-Temporary Gastroparesis can be caused by certain medications such as narcotics and some IBS drugs including levsin and bentyl3, calcium channel blockers and certain antidepressants1

-Endocrine Disorders1

-Connective Tissue disorders like scleroderma12

-Cancer and/or Radiation treatment and some types of chemotherapy12 

1.       http://www.gi.org/patients/gihealth/gastroparesis.asp

2.       http://digestive-disorders.health-cares.net/gastroparesis-causes.php

3.       http://www.gicare.com/pated/ecdgs45.htm
 


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Page Updated 4/18/2008