Everything You Should Know About Gastric Outlet Obstruction

There is a growing number of cases of gastric outlet obstruction all over the world. It is blockage or obstruction in the path of outlet of the stomach, which prevent the passage of food into small intestine. Eventually the food accumulates in the stomach and causes a severe abdominal pain. 

Cancer may increase the chronicity of the disease. 

What are main signs and symptoms?

·         Abdominal pain

·         Vomiting after meals

·         Vomiting undigested food devoid of any bile

·         Loss of weight

·         Wasting and dehydration

·         Visible peristalsis from left to right maybe present

·         Succussion splash, a splash like sound heard over the stomach with or without the stethoscope.

·         Bowel sound may be increased due to excessive peristaltic action of the stomach.

·         Fullness in the left hypochondrium may also be present.

Causes of Gastric outlet obstruction

Gastric outlet obstruction can be benign and malignant. To be malignant the cause should be presumed.  In most cases of gastric outlet obstruction, the main cause has been found to be benign Peptic ulcer disease. But thanks to the acid suppressing drugs that has declined the frequency of peptic ulcer cases.

Wondering what causes the peptic ulcer?

Edema and scarring of ulcer results in peptic ulcer followed by healing and fibrosis. This leads to obstruction of the gastrodudenal junction, which is an ulcer in the first part of duodenum.

Other benign causes are infections such as tuberculosis. A rare cause can be blockage due to gallstones and sometimes pancreatic pseudocyst can cause gastric compression. 

Talking about the malignant cause, Gastric cancer is the most prominent one. In many Western countries the frequency has declined   with the treatment of Helicobacter Pylori infection.  However, now the predominating one is the pancreatic cancer.

Treatment

In case of Gastric outlet obstruction with significant obstruction and if there is no scope of medical therapy, then surgery or Gastrojejunostomy is best treatment mode.  In this surgical process the surgeon creates a bypass for the stomach contents so that they can move into the intestine.  This is most successful treatment method has been proven to improve the patient’s survival rate. 

For patients suffering from malignant gastric outlet obstruction, endoscopic stenting is an effective and minimally invasive treatment option. This allows resumption of oral intake and improving quality of life. The endoscopic balloon therapy may be attempted as an alternative surgery and involves the removal of antral portion of the stomach.  However, you must consult best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, for reliable and safe services.

Are you diagnosed with gastric outlet obstruction?

Seeking proficient gastroenterologist surgeon for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, then get in touch with Dr. Amanjeet Singh.  He is one of the best gastroenterologists and surgeons treating gastric outlet obstruction due to cancer in India. He is the leading surgeon in Gurgaon associated with Medanta hospital- Medicity, Gurgaon.  He is a reputed and award-winning laparoscopic and robotic surgeon super-specialized in Surgical Gastroenterology.

He is also one of the leading names when it comes to treatment of chronic pancreatitis, gall bladder diseases, bile duct problems, liver problems, hernia, and a range of GI tract issues.  

Dr. Amanjeet Singh has got a rock-solid reputation of handling many cases related to colorectal cancer, colon cancer, and other gastric health issues.  You will get here comprehensive surgical services with a multidisciplinary approach.  His services are highly affordable and surely reduce the hospital stay. With top quality patient care, he ensures healthy living.