Gastric Outlet Obstruction – An Etiological Breakup

To evaluate the etiology of gastricoutlet obstruction in Pakistani population.Methods: In this descriptive study patients withgastric outlet obstruction were included .All patientsincluded in the study received intravenous fluidsand electrolytes to correct dehydration andelectrolyte imbalance. Nasogastric suction withgastric lavage was done. Diagnosis was establishedby UGI endoscopy and biopsy and was supported byCT scan and barium studies where required.Results: The total number of patients was 39 with19 males (48.7%) and 20 females(51.3%). The age ofpatients ranged from 15 years to 70 years. The meanage was 43.41 ±16.57. The most common pathologyleading to gastric outlet obstruction was malignancy,in 21 (53.8%) patients whereas 18 patients (46.2%)had benign disease. Among the malignancies, gastriccarcinoma was the most common disease affecting 14patients (35.9%) and among the benign diseases,caustic injury induced stenosis was the mostcommon, involving 14 patients (35.9%). Pancreaticcarcinoma was found in 3 patients (7.7%) and pepticulcer disease in 4 patients (10.3%).Conclusion: Gastric outlet obstruction is a seriousand difficult to manage problem. Malignancy wasthe most common cause (53.8%) of gastric outletobstruction. Post caustic gastric outlet obstructionhas emerged as the second most common(35.9%)cause. Caustic stricture leading to gastric outletobstruction is emerging as a serious health care issuein developing countries, especially among youngfemales with poor socioeconomic status