Generally gastroparesis is not life-threatening, but when it occurs, timely treatment is needed, such as gastrointestinal decompression or medication such as metoclopramide, and if left untreated for a long period of time, it can be life-threatening in serious cases.
Gastroparesis generally refers to the obstruction of gastric emptying, which is mostly seen after most of the gastrectomies, and also after pancreaticoduodenectomies. Postoperative gastroparesis usually occurs 7~10 days after the operation. When the diet is changed from fasting to fluids or fluids to semi-fluids, the patient will experience digestive discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting, and the vomit is mostly green, so a gastric tube should be placed for drainage and gastric decompression after the operation.
If gastroparesis occurs after surgery, continuous gastrointestinal decompression is usually used, and drugs to promote gastric motility are given, such as metoclopramide and erythromycin, which can help the recovery of gastric function; the improvement of gastroparesis is marked by a decrease in gastric tube drainage flow, and the drainage fluid turns from green to yellow and clear.
If gastroparesis is not treated systematically for a long period of time, the function of the stomach declines and food cannot be digested and absorbed, resulting in diseases such as emaciation and malnutrition, which can be life-threatening in serious cases.
If gastroparesis occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time, and the medication is treated under a professional doctor to avoid delaying the condition.