Failure of the stomach to empty is called?

• A. Gastroparesis
• B. Malrotation
• C. Ileus
• D. Diverticulum

Answer: (A)

Delayed emptying of the stomach without a mechanical blockage is gastroparesis. This is a functional motility problem where the stomach retains food longer than normal, leading to symptoms such as nausea, early satiety, bloating, and sometimes vomiting after meals. It differs from an obstruction because there isn’t a physical blockage visible; the issue is impaired stomach contractions or coordination. Gastroparesis is often linked to factors like diabetes with autonomic neuropathy, certain medications that slow gastric motility, or post-surgical changes. The other conditions describe different problems: malrotation is a developmental anomaly that can cause obstruction, ileus is a widespread slowing of intestinal movement affecting the small and large intestines, and diverticulum is an outpouching of the intestinal wall, not a failure of gastric emptying.