pyloric obstruction and gastric dilatation
pyloric obstruction and gastric dilatation
Symptoms
The typical findings are dyspepsia, vomiting (occasionally projectile vomiting), wasting, and dehydration. Vomiting may occur long after eating, sometimes several hours or days. Constipation is present. There is bulging over the epigastrium. In thin subjects, the outline of the stomach may be visible. Palpation gives a splashing fremitus. In percussion there is an increased area of gastric tympany. In auscultation, splashing sounds often are audible at some distance.
Treatment
In acute obstruction, treatment includes nasogastric decompression of the stomach with parenteral fluid administration and gradual resumption of oral feeding. In chronic obstruction (congenital, neoplastic, inflammatory), surgery is indicated.
Prognosis
Outcome relates to cause and promptness of treatment. It is generally favorable in cases of acute dilatation without obstruction.