What are the characteristics of vomitus in pyloric obstruction?
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Characteristics of vomitus in pyloric obstruction include timing, absence of bile, and large volume. Pyloric obstruction slows gastrointestinal motility, preventing food from passing through the pylorus into the intestine, leading to vomiting in the afternoon or evening. Since gastric contents cannot enter the intestine, the vomitus does not contain bile. The obstruction prevents food from moving into the intestine, resulting in a large volume of vomiting.
Generally, the characteristics of vomitus in pyloric obstruction include timing patterns, absence of bile, large volume, frequent vomiting, and coffee-ground or coffee-colored vomit. The details are as follows:
1. Timing Pattern
Pyloric obstruction slows gastrointestinal motility, preventing food from passing through the pylorus into the intestine. This often leads to vomiting in the afternoon or evening.
2. Absence of Bile
Since gastric contents cannot enter the intestine, bile is typically absent from the vomitus.
3. Large Volume
Pyloric obstruction prevents food from moving into the intestine, resulting in large amounts of vomit—approximately 1000–2000 ml per episode.
4. Frequent Vomiting
In pyloric obstruction, the stomach cannot empty its contents normally, leading to repeated vomiting. Patients may experience persistent vomiting; initially, the vomit consists mainly of undigested food, but over time it may increasingly contain bile and gastric fluid.
5. Coffee-Ground or Coffee-Colored Vomit
Accumulation of gastric contents due to pyloric obstruction can cause reflux of partially digested material. In cases of prolonged obstruction, blood in the vomitus may become oxidized, giving it a coffee-ground or coffee-colored appearance.
If symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
