Acute Gastric Dilatation

Acute gastric dilatation is urgent massive distension of stomach, due to overeating, post-surgical ileus, obstruction, diabetic gastroparesis, or severe trauma, presenting with epigastric pain/distension, nausea, vomiting, and risk of ischemia/rupture/aspiration. Treatment: NPO; immediate nasogastric decompression; IV fluids/electrolytes; treat cause (obstruction/gastroparesis); serial abdominal exam/imaging; surgical exploration if ischemia/necrosis/rupture; prevent aspiration; monitor electrolytes/hemodynamics; follow-up to prevent recurrence.

Common Symptoms

Massive epigastric distension; pain; nausea/vomiting; by overeating/post-surgical/obstruction/gastroparesis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Acute gastric outlet obstruction/atony causes massive distension and possible ischemia.

Treatment

NPO; NG decompression; IV fluids; treat cause; surgery if necrotic; prevent aspiration

Preventive Measures

Avoid overeating; post-op gastric decompression; treat gastroparesis.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Emergency/Gastrointestinal-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.