Features of postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome:
(1) postprandial nausea and vomiting
(2) gastric atony with delayed gastric emptying
(3) absence of mechanical gastric outlet obstruction
(4) may be associated with weight loss and malnutrition if prolonged
Criteria for postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS) - all of the following:
(1) absence of mechanical gastric outlet obstruction
(2) volume of gastric aspirate > 800 mL per day for > 10 days
(3) no abnormalities of fluid, electrolytes or acid-base balance
(4) absence of any disease causing gastroparesis (diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc.)
(5) not being treated with morphine, atropine or other medication causing a decrease in the contraction of smooth muscle
where:
• A transient gastroparesis might not last > 10 days.
• A patient with diabetes, hypothyroidism, etc may not have gastroparesis before surgery or occurring after recovery from surgery, yet might be predisposed to post-operative gastroparesis.
