Gastric Outlet Obstruction—Adult
Condition
(Pyloric Obstruction, GOO)
Definition
Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is 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. Treatment can help.
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Causes
The blockage is caused by problems with nearby tissue such as:
- Swelling from a peptic ulcer (common)
- Swelling from the 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 GOO are:
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Tumors in the stomach or intestines
- Pancreatitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastric obstruction are:
- 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
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. 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—a scope is used to view inside 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 IV 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 GOO may be lowered by managing health problems that raise the risk, such as peptic ulcer disease.
American Gastroenterological Association
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Health Canada
American Gastroenterological Association
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Health Canada
References
- Gastric outlet obstruction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gastric-outlet-obstruction.
- Gastric outlet obstruction. Radiopaedia.org website. Available at: http://radiopaedia.org/articles/gastric-outlet-obstruction.
- Papanikolaou IS, Siersema PD. Gastric outlet obstruction: current status and future directions. Gut Liver. 2022;16(5):667-675.
- Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease.
- Peptic ulcer disease. Merck Manual for Professionals. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/peptic-ulcer-disease.
- Stomach ulcer complications. NHS Choices website. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/complications.
Contributors
- Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
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