Description
The goal of this research is to learn about pyloric sphincter characteristics (measure sphincter pressure, area, and elasticity) in both patients with gastroparesis and without gastroparesis using the endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP®) with impedance planimetry. We will correlate the findings with symptoms of gastroparesis, gastric emptying, and identify patients that may achieve therapeutic response to pyloric sphincter directed therapies (botulinum injection/ peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy). Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents complete stomach emptying. This disease causes debilitating symptoms in many patients and leads to frequent hospitalizations. Houston Methodist Hospital/Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders is nationally recognized as a center of excellence for motility disorders. As such, we have a huge patient population suffering from gastroparesis that is not responsive to conventional treatments. This causes significant health care resource utilization. The current study will help in identifying appropriate patients for pylorus (part of stomach affected by gastroparesis) directed therapies and provide relief from debilitating symptoms and decrease health care resource utilization.
