Final answer:
Dumping syndrome after gastrectomy typically manifests as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and weight loss, with potential progression to severe ulcers and stomach perforation if not treated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome After Gastrectomy
The symptoms that follow the total or subtotal removal of the stomach, known as gastrectomy, can result in a condition called dumping syndrome. This post-surgical complication arises when the undigested contents of the stomach are 'dumped' into the small intestine too rapidly. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, increased gas, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Patients may also experience bloating, fatigue, and in severe cases, dehydration. Additionally, the lack of intrinsic factor production due to total gastrectomy necessitates regular vitamin B12 injections to prevent deficiencies.
Without appropriate treatment, these symptoms can progress, leading to more severe outcomes like stomach ulcers, which may bleed and present dark stools. Unchecked, these ulcers can deepen, involving more tissue and potentially leading to stomach perforation—a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by the leakage of digestive enzymes and acid into the body.