Diagnosis and treatment of dumping syndrome after gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Abstract

Dumping syndrome (DS) refers to a group of gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms that occur after the ingestion of a meal. The large number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery has dramatically increased the prevalence of DS. Uncontrolled severe dumping can result in sitophobia and weight loss, leading to malnutrition. In many patients, effective control of symptoms can be achieved with dietary and lifestyle modifications. If this approach is unsatisfactory, medical therapy is the following step, and in some cases surgery might be considered. Diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome is detailed in this chapter.