Dumping Syndrome after Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Dumping syndrome (DS) is a collection of gastrointestinal (GI) and vasomotor symptoms arising postprandially because of prompt gastric emptying. This can develop due to any changes in gastric anatomy or innervation during esophageal, gastric, or bariatric surgery. Due to the increase in the number of bariatric operations and innovative surgeries performed internationally, bariatric surgery has emerged as the most common cause of this disease entity. 25–50% of all gastric surgery patients experience dumping symptoms after their procedures. Patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are at an extremely high risk (up to 40%) of developing dumping syndrome postoperatively. The goal of this review is to provide an insightful evaluation of the most recent literature on the overlooked scientific and clinical elements of dumping syndrome, such as diagnostic aspects, pathogenesis, terminology, and management. More research is needed to establish guidelines and terms used to properly document and manage dumping syndrome.