Published online Jun 14, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i22.6842
Peer-review started: January 20, 2015
First decision: February 10, 2015
Revised: March 5, 2015
Accepted: April 28, 2015
Article in press: April 28, 2015
Published online: June 14, 2015
Processing time: 149 Days and 14.4 Hours
Gastroparesis has traditionally been a largely medically managed disease with refractory symptoms typically falling under the umbrella of the surgical domain. Surgical options include, but are not limited to, gastrostomy, jejunostomy, pyloromyotomy, or pyloroplasty, and the Food and Drug Administration approved gastric electrical stimulation implantation. Endoscopic management of gastroparesis most commonly involves intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection; however, there exists a variety of endoscopic approaches on the horizon that have the potential to radically shift standard of care. Endoscopic management of gastroparesis seeks to treat delayed gastric emptying with a less invasive approach compared to the surgical approach. This review will serve to highlight such innovative and potentially transformative, endoscopic interventions available to gastroenterologists in the management of gastroparesis.
Core tip: Although a majority of gastroparesis patients respond to medical treatment, patients with refractory symptoms pose a therapeutic challenge and are often referred for surgical management. Endoscopic management of gastroparesis seeks to treat delayed gastric emptying with a less invasive approach compared to the surgical approach. Endoscopic treatment of gastroparesis most commonly involves intrapyloric botulinum toxin injection; however, there exists a variety of endoscopic approaches on the horizon that have the potential to radically shift the standard of care for refractory patients.