What are the causes of gastric ptosis?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing stomach discomfort. After going to the hospital for examination, the doctor said it was caused by ptosis of the stomach. What causes ptosis of the stomach?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Gastroptosis refers to a pathological condition in which the lower edge of the stomach reaches or exceeds the pelvic cavity when the body is in an upright position. The main causes include:
1. Changes in intra-abdominal pressure: Long-term chronic coughing, constipation, obesity, ascites, and other conditions can increase intra-abdominal pressure, causing the stomach to shift downward.
2. Congenital constitutional factors: Such as ligament laxity, weak abdominal wall fat, and muscle flaccidity. Individuals with a lean and tall body type are particularly prone to gastroptosis.
3. Anatomical structural factors: The stomach is mainly stabilized by a support system composed of the diaphragm, gastric ligaments, and abdominal muscles. If these structures are underdeveloped or functionally weakened—for example, reduced diaphragmatic tension or relaxed gastric ligaments—gastroptosis may occur.
4. Malnutrition: Malnutrition can lead to thinning of the intra-abdominal fat layer, decreased intra-abdominal pressure, and weakened function of perigastric ligaments such as the gastrodiaphragmatic ligament, resulting in gastroptosis.
5. Influence of other diseases: Conditions such as connective tissue diseases and neuromuscular disorders may affect the normal position and function of the stomach.
