ABSTRACT
The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index is a useful tool both in the initial and subsequent visits and helps assess response to treatment. It is also important to distinguish isolated gastroparesis from global gastrointestinal tract dysmotility conditions. Diet modifications are advised in all patients with gastroparesis and should continue even after a surgical intervention. People with gastroparesis may present with vitamin and mineral deficiencies as well as weight loss. Nutrition is the primary therapy in gastroparesis because of the effect of the gastric dysmotility in allowing nutrients to pass into the small intestine for normal digestion and absorption. As with any gastrointestinal disease, nutrition assessment and interventions must be individualized and specifically for gastroparesis, therapy should concentrate on enhancing gastric emptying. Endoscopic pyloric injection of botulinum toxin is employed by some physicians for temporary relaxation of the pylorus muscle, either for relief of gastroparesis-related symptoms or to assess the anticipated response prior to pyloroplasty.
