Gastroparesis (ICD-10: K31.84)

Name of the Condition

• Common name: Gastroparesis
• Medical term: Delayed Gastric Emptying

Summary

Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive condition where the stomach is unable to empty food in a normal timeframe, leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms. This can cause discomfort and nutritional deficiencies due to impaired digestion.

Causes

The exact cause of gastroparesis is often unknown, but it is frequently associated with:

• Diabetes (particularly Type 1 and Type 2)
• Post-surgical complications
• Certain medications, such as narcotics and antidepressants
• Disorders of the nervous system, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of developing gastroparesis include:

• Having diabetes
• Undergoing abdominal or esophageal surgery
• Taking medications that slow gastric emptying
• Certain autoimmune diseases

Symptoms

Patients with gastroparesis may experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Bloating and abdominal pain
• Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
• Weight loss and malnutrition

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gastroparesis may involve:

• Gastric emptying studies (scintigraphy)
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Electrogastrography
• Breath tests assessing digestive capabilities

Treatment Options

Treatment plans typically focus on managing symptoms and may include:

• Dietary modifications, such as small, frequent meals and low-fat, low-fiber foods
• Medications like metoclopramide or erythromycin to stimulate gastric motility
• Surgical options in severe cases, such as gastric electrical stimulation

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The prognosis for gastroparesis varies, and it is often a chronic, manageable condition rather than one that can be fully cured. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor symptoms and adjust treatments as necessary.

Complications

Potential complications from unmanaged gastroparesis include:

• Severe dehydration from persistent vomiting
• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
• Erratic blood glucose control in diabetic patients
• Bezoars (hardened masses in the stomach)

Lifestyle & Prevention

Lifestyle measures to help manage or prevent symptoms include:

• Eating well-cooked, easily digestible foods
• Avoiding carbonated beverages
• Engaging in regular physical activity to stimulate digestion
• Managing blood sugar levels effectively if diabetic

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if you experience persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have gastroparesis or if your symptoms worsen.

Additional Resources

For further information, consider visiting:

• The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming the diagnosis with medical documentation stating gastroparesis.
• Be cautious of coding unspecified gastric motility disorders that may be recorded under different ICD categories.
• Double-check for concurrent conditions, such as diabetes, that may also need coding.