Endoscopic approaches to gastroparesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEWThis review covers the cause, evaluation and treatment options for gastroparesis. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying are increasingly seen by gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons. Endoscopy – both laparoscopic and flexible – is increasingly important in treatment algorithms for this problem. RECENT FINDINGSGastroparesis is increasingly being seen in clinical practice. A progressive algorithm needs to be followed in these challenging casesstarting with medical treatment and diet modification, progressing through endoscopic treatments including new ones such as per-oral pyloromyotomy, and finally laparoscopic treatments including gastrectomy. SUMMARYEndoscopic interventions are effective treatments for certain gastroparesis patients. New procedures offer a minimally invasive alternative to more radical options and should probably be more widely adopted.