Gastric Outlet Obstruction—Adult
(Pyloric Obstruction)
How to Say It: Gas-trik Owt-let Ob-struk-shun
Definition
Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a blockage of the path from the stomach to the small intestines. It may fully or partially block the path of food. It can stop food from being digested.
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Causes TOP
The blockage is caused by problems with nearby tissue such as:
- Swelling from peptic ulcer (common)
- Swelling from pancreas
-
Abnormal growth of tissue, such as:
- Scar tissue due to a peptic ulcer
- A cancer growth
Risk Factors TOP
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Gastrointestinal tumors
- Pancreatitis
Symptoms TOP
Problems may be:
- Regular, frequent feeling of bloating or fullness
- Feeling full after eating less food
- Nausea and vomiting of undigested food, especially right after eating
- Belly pain or swelling
Diagnosis TOP
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may be done to look for blockages. This can be done with:
- X-rays of the abdomen using a contrast material
- Endoscopy to view the interior of the stomach and intestines
The movement of food through the stomach may also be tested.
Treatment TOP
The goal of treatment is to open the blockage. How it is done depends on the cause. Options are:
- Supportive care, such as fluids and medicine to ease swelling
- Removing a blockage with a tube that is passed through the nose to the stomach
- Procedures to remove scar tissue or tumors
Prevention TOP
The risk of this problem may be lowered by managing health problems that raise the risk, such as peptic ulcer disease.
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Gastric outlet obstruction. Radiopaedia.org website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 23, 2020.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease. Accessed October 23, 2020.
Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual for Professionals. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 23, 2020.
Stomach ulcer complications. NHS Choices website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 23, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 10/23/2020