Gastric Outlet Obstruction

Definition

Gastric outlet obstruction refers to a condition where the normal flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine is blocked.

Types

• Mechanical obstruction: caused by a physical blockage in the gastric outlet.
• Functional obstruction: caused by a non-physical blockage, such as a motility disorder.

Causes

• Peptic ulcer disease: a peptic ulcer in the duodenum can cause a blockage.
• Gastric cancer: a tumor in the stomach can cause a blockage.
• Duodenal cancer: a tumor in the duodenum can cause a blockage.
• Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas can cause a blockage.
• Gallstones: a gallstone in the bile duct can cause a blockage.
• Crohn's disease: inflammation of the small intestine can cause a blockage.

Clinical Features

• Vomiting: food and bile may be vomited.
• Nausea: feeling queasy or sick.
• Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort in the abdomen.
• Weight loss: loss of weight due to poor digestion.
• Diarrhea: loose or watery stools.
• Blood in stool: blood may be present in the stool.

Complications

• Malnutrition: poor digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Dehydration: loss of fluids due to vomiting.
• Electrolyte imbalance: imbalance of essential minerals and salts.

Diagnostic Tools

• Endoscopy: a flexible tube with a camera and light is inserted through the mouth to visualize the inside of the stomach.
• Barium meal: a liquid containing barium is swallowed to visualize the inside of the stomach and small intestine.
• USG: an imaging test using sound waves to visualize the inside of the stomach and small intestine.
• CT: a computerized tomography scan to visualize the inside of the stomach and small intestine.

Differentiation between Benign and Malignant Causes

• Benign causes: typically have a smooth, irregular surface on endoscopy.
• Malignant causes: typically have an irregular, fixed surface on endoscopy.

Surgical Management

• Gastrojejunostomy: a surgical procedure to create a new opening between the stomach and small intestine.
• Duodenal bypass: a surgical procedure to bypass the blockage in the duodenum.
• Whipple procedure: a surgical procedure to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue.

Scope of Homeopathy

• Conium: for gastric cancer.
• Lycopodium: for peptic ulcer disease.
• Nux vomica: for nausea and vomiting.
• Pulsatilla: for abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Aconitum: for sudden onset of symptoms.
• Ignatia: for emotional stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic Medicines

• Aconitum: for sudden onset of symptoms.
• Arsenicum album: for nausea and vomiting.
• Carbo vegetabilis: for bloating and gas.
• China officinalis: for digestive problems.
• Coffea cruda: for anxiety and insomnia.
• Nux vomica: for nausea and vomiting.
• Phosphorus: for digestive problems.
• Pulsatilla: for abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Sulfur: for skin problems and digestive issues.
• Uranium nitricum: for digestive problems and nausea.