Dumping Syndrome Definition – A group of symptoms that are a complication of surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. Most patients experience the problem to a minor degree for 1 to 6 months after surgery. It becomes a serious problem in 1% to 2 % of patients. Symptoms are of 2 Types Early Dumping Syndrome Symptoms begin a few minutes to 45 minutes after every meal. Late Dumping Syndrome Symptoms begin 2 to 3 hours after eating. Most persons experience late dumping syndrome – one person does not have both forms. Body Parts Involved Gastrointestinal system; cardiovascular system Sex or Age Most Affected Both sexes or adults following surgery of the stomach Signs and Symptoms Early Dumping Syndrome:
Weakness and Fainting Sweating Irregular or Rapid Heartbeat Decreased Blood Pressure Flushing of Skin Dizziness Shortness of Breath Vomiting Explosive Diarrhea and Abdominal cramps
Sweating, Anxiety and Tremors Exhaustion and Faintness Decreased Blood Pressure Headache
Causes Early Dumping Syndrome: Rapid entry of food and fluids directly into the small intestine producing decreases blood pressure and increased blood flow to the intestine. Late Dumping Syndrome: Low blood sugar caused by excess insulin produced in response to sudden dumping of food and fluids into the intestine. How to Prevent – Some degree cannot be prevented, but recurrence and severity can be minimized with dietary changes (see diet info) What to Expect Appropriate Health Care
Self care after Diagnosis Doctor’s Treatment
Diagnostic Measures
Your own observation of symptoms Medical history and physical by doctor Laboratory studies of blood sugar levels
Possible Complications Malnutrition and weight loss Anxiety Probable Outcome Spontaneous recovery for most patients. Early Dumping Syndrome usually last 3 to 4 months. Late Dumping Syndrome usually last 1 year but it may persist for years. How to Treat General Measures Early Syndrome: Lie down for 45 minutes until symptoms pass Late Syndrome: Eat small amounts of sugar/candy or drink sweetened orange juice. Medication Your doctor may prescribe: Aniticholinergics to block the dumping-syndrome reflex. Pectin to reduce the severity of diarrhea. Vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for poor absorption. Activity Between Symptoms: no restrictions With Symptoms: rest until they pass Diet Early Dumping Syndrome: Diet control is the most important treatment. Eat a diet low in sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Increase fat and protein consumption. Eat 6 small evenly spaced meals a day. Take meals dry – without water or beverages – and drink fluids only between meals. Late Dumping Syndrome: Avoid refined sugar. Call Your Doctor If You have symptoms of dumping syndrome not relieved by measures outlined above. You vomit blood, have black, tarry stools or other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
Last update : Monday, 09 July 2007
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