Off-label metoclopramide and/or erythromycin administration are effective for upper gastrointestinal dysmotility but have adverse effects. Trials of alternative or novel promotility drugs have not demonstrated superiority over current pharmacotherapies. Prophylactic laxative regimens to prevent non-defecation have been infrequently studied and there is no recent evidence to further inform treatment of established pseudo-obstruction. Further trials of nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies to treat upper and lower gastrointestinal dysmotility are required and challenges in designing such trials are explored.

Symptoms and clinical features consistent with upper and/or lower gastrointestinal dysmotility occur frequently. Although features of gastrointestinal dysmotility are strongly associated with adverse outcomes, these associations may be because of unmeasured confounders. The use of ultrasonography to identify upper gastrointestinal dysmotility appears promising

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