Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (487 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
The hindering of output from the stomach into the small intestine. This obstruction may be of mechanical or functional origin such as edema from peptic ulcer; neoplasms; foreign bodies; or aging.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Gastric Outlet Obstructions; Obstruction, Gastric Outlet; Obstructions, Gastric Outlet; Outlet Obstruction, Gastric; Outlet Obstructions, Gastric.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Stomach Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Pyloric Stenosis
Related concepts
- Stomach
- Small Intestine
- Edema
- Peptic Ulcer
- Neoplasms
- Foreign Bodies
- Aging
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 6,369 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Gastric Outlet Obstruction” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 618 of them (9.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 3,462 records.
Reviews account for 528 records (8.3%) and meta-analyses for 64. Randomized controlled trials number 58 (0.9%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 3,462 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,068 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,221 |
| 2020 onward | 618 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 528 | 8.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 64 | 1.0% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 58 | 0.9% |
Method: PubMed query "Gastric Outlet Obstruction"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in digestive system and liver
Gut and liver research ranges from laboratory studies of the microbiome to large trials of drugs and surgery. Symptoms such as pain, reflux or bowel change are reported by patients and overlap between conditions, and diet and microbiome studies are mostly observational. Check whether the study measured symptoms, tissue findings or long-term outcomes, how the diagnosis was made and how long people were followed. Nothing here replaces advice from a qualified clinician.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-natal erythromycin exposure and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis | 2016 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 15 | cc by PMID 27655365 · DOI · PMC5106491 |
| Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches | 2024 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 10 | cc by PMID 38674284 · DOI · PMC11052138 |
| Gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with Bouveret's syndrome: a case report | 2013 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 9 | cc by PMID 23663702 · DOI · PMC3660164 |
Post-natal erythromycin exposure and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- PurposeMacrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, in particular, have been linked to the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).
- Closing excerpt
- However, significant heterogeneity existed between the studies (I 2 = 84 %, p ConclusionThis study demonstrates a significant association between post-natal erythromycin exposure and development of IHPS, which seems stronger when exposure occurs in the first 2 weeks of life.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (168 words)
PurposeMacrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, in particular, have been linked to the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence of whether post-natal erythromycin exposure is associated with subsequent development of IHPS.MethodsA systematic review of postnatal erythromycin administration and IHPS was performed. Papers were included if data were available on development (yes/no) of IHPS in infants exposed/unexposed to erythromycin. Data were meta-analysed using Review Manager 5.3. A random effects model was decided on a priori due to heterogeneity of study design; data are odds ratio (OR) with 95 % CI.ResultsNine papers reported data suitable for analysis; two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective studies. Overall, erythromycin exposure was significantly associated with development of IHPS [OR 2.45 (1.12-5.35), p = 0.02]. However, significant heterogeneity existed between the studies (I 2 = 84 %, p ConclusionThis study demonstrates a significant association between post-natal erythromycin exposure and development of IHPS, which seems stronger when exposure occurs in the first 2 weeks of life.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 27655365 · DOI · PMC5106491
Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO).
- Closing excerpt
- Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (162 words)
Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO). Gastrojejunostomy was traditionally performed as a surgical procedure with an open approach butrecently, notable progress in the development of minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies have emerged. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic stenting (ES) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), are becoming more prominent. ES involves the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) to restore luminal patency. ES is commonly the first choice for patients deemed unfit for surgery or at high surgical risk. However, although ES leads to rapid improvement of symptoms, it carries limitations like higher stent dysfunction rates and the need for frequent re-interventions. Recently, EUS-GE has emerged as a potential alternative, combining the minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic approach with the long-lasting effects of a gastrojejunostomy. Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38674284 · DOI · PMC11052138
Gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with Bouveret's syndrome: a case report [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundGallstone ileus accounts for 1% to 4% of cases of mechanical bowel obstruction, but may be responsible for up to 25% of cases in older age groups.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionThis case shows the importance of considering Bouveret's syndrome in the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction, especially in the elderly, even in patients with no previous history of gallbladder disease.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (157 words)
BackgroundGallstone ileus accounts for 1% to 4% of cases of mechanical bowel obstruction, but may be responsible for up to 25% of cases in older age groups. In non-iatrogenic cases, gallstone migration occurs after formation of a biliary-enteric fistula. In fewer than 10% of patients with gallstone ileus, the impacted gallstones are located in the pylorus or duodenum, resulting in gastric outlet obstruction, known as Bouveret's syndrome.Case presentationWe report an 86-year-old female who was admitted to hospital with a 10-day history of persistent vomiting and prostration. She was in hypovolemic shock at the time of arrival in the emergency department. Investigations revealed a gallstone in the duodenal bulb and a cholecystoduodenal fistula. She underwent surgical gastrolithotomy. Unfortunately, she died of aspiration pneumonia on the fourth postoperative day.ConclusionThis case shows the importance of considering Bouveret's syndrome in the differential diagnosis of gastric outlet obstruction, especially in the elderly, even in patients with no previous history of gallbladder disease.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 23663702 · DOI · PMC3660164
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article A systematic review of methods to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction [4]
- Research article Enteral self-expandable stents [5]
- Research article Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis [6]
- Research article Technical review of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy in 2017 [7]
- Research article Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option? [8]
- Research article The continuing enigma of pyloric stenosis of infancy: a review [9]
References
- Murchison L, De Coppi P, Eaton S. Post-natal erythromycin exposure and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2016. PMID 27655365 · DOI · PMC5106491
- Fugazza A, Andreozzi M, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Insausti A, Spadaccini M, Colombo M, et al.. Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches. . 2024. PMID 38674284 · DOI · PMC11052138
- Nabais C, Salústio R, Morujão I, Sousa FV, Porto E, Cardoso C, et al.. Gastric outlet obstruction in a patient with Bouveret's syndrome: a case report. . 2013. PMID 23663702 · DOI · PMC3660164
- Ly J, O'Grady G, Mittal A, Plank L, Windsor JA. A systematic review of methods to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Surg Endosc. 2010. PMID 19551436 · DOI
- Baron TH, Harewood GC. Enteral self-expandable stents. Gastrointest Endosc. 2003. PMID 14528223 · DOI
- Hernanz-Schulman M. Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Radiology. 2003. PMID 12637675 · DOI
- Itoi T, Baron TH, Khashab MA, Tsuchiya T, Irani S, Dhir V, et al.. Technical review of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy in 2017. Dig Endosc. 2017. PMID 28032663 · DOI
- Troncone E, Fugazza A, Cappello A, Del Vecchio Blanco G, Monteleone G, Repici A, et al.. Malignant gastric outlet obstruction: Which is the best therapeutic option?. World J Gastroenterol. 2020. PMID 32390697 · DOI · PMC7201143
- MacMahon B. The continuing enigma of pyloric stenosis of infancy: a review. Epidemiology. 2006. PMID 16477261 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.