Gastric Outlet Obstruction—Adult

(Pyloric Obstruction)

How to Say It: Gas-trik Owt-let Ob-struk-shun

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

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.

Causes

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

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

Peptic ulcer disease
Gastrointestinal tumors
Pancreatitis

Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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