Gastroparesis Following Lung Transplant: A Single Center's Experience

Abstract

<h3>Purpose</h3> Gastroparesis is a known complication following lung transplantation; however, few studies have focused on the identification of risk factors for its development and literature describing the natural history of gastroparesis in lung transplant patients is lacking. Currently at our institution it is common practice for these patients to undergo various surgical and procedural interventions with the goal of ameliorating symptoms and improving gastric emptying. We aim to identify potentially modifiable risk factors for the development of gastroparesis, as well as the impact of common interventions. <h3>Methods</h3> This is a single center, retrospective observational study. From 1/1/2016 to 10/15/2020, a total of 27 patients underwent bilateral lung transplant and were subsequently diagnosed with gastroparesis as confirmed by gastric emptying study. Baseline patient characteristics, diagnostic and procedural interventions (including type of study, intervention performed and timing), and outcomes data (length of stay for transplant hospitalization, survival, and impact of intervention) were collected. <h3>Results</h3> Demographics and outcomes data are described in Table 1. Figure 1 depicts the procedural and surgical interventions within this patient population, as well as outcome data. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In conclusion, this is the largest study to date that has reviewed the natural history of gastroparesis post lung transplant and describes outcomes following procedural and surgical interventions. Larger scale, multicenter trials are needed to better define the natural history of gastroparesis as well as the utility of surgical and procedural interventions.