Fix the Heart, Damage the Gut: A Case Report and Literature Review of Ablation-Induced Gastroparesis

Catheter ablation is a common procedure performed in patients with atrial fibrillation. While some commonly known complications include perforation, thromboembolism, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade, gastroparesis is a less reported post-procedural complication. We present a case of a 66-year-old female admitted with intractable nausea and vomiting six weeks post-ablation. After ruling out the common causes of gastroparesis, a gastric emptying study was done, which confirmed the diagnosis of gastroparesis. Physicians should have a high degree of suspicion for vagus nerve damage in post-ablation patients that presents with unexplained persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms to facilitate a better outcome.