Publication:

A clinical study of gastric outlet obstruction

Background Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in developing countries to a Surgeon. Gastric outlet obstruction, a clinical condition impeding emptying of stomach mechanically, can be due to varied etiology. This study was taken up to know the etiological factors and management.

Methods This was a descriptive prospective study done at Madurai Medical College for a period of 2 years from September 2009 to August 2011. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined and followed. Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy (OGD) was done in all cases while Barium meal study was done in few cases to make the diagnosis. Relevant operative procedure was done, and patients were managed post operatively.

Results Cicatrised Duodenal ulcer (DU) was the commonest cause followed by Carcinoma Pyloric antrum (Ca PA). Majority of the patients were males (67.5%) with male to female ratio of 2.07:1. Vomiting was one of the major presenting symptoms in all the patients.

Conclusions Cicatrised DU was the commonest cause for GOO in present study. Present study highlights the increasing incidence of Ca PA. This could be due to better management of DU at an early stage.