The dumping syndrome. Current insights into pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.

The dumping syndrome is encountered in approximately 10% of patients after gastric surgery. A postprandial peripheral and splanchnic vasodilatation and ensuing relative hypovolaemia are pivotal in the pathophysiology of early systemic symptoms. Late dumping symptoms are a consequence of a reactive hypoglycaemia, which results from an exaggerated insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 release. The diagnosis of dumping syndrome can reliably be made with the aid of a provocation test using 50 g glucose orally. Most patients with dumping can be treated with advice on diet and lifestyle. Octreotide effectively controls the signs and symptoms of dumping in patients refractory to standard therapy. It acts through its inhibitory effects on insulin and gut hormone release, a delay of intestinal transit time and inhibition of food-induced circulatory changes. Its long-term use is somewhat limited by side effects, particularly diarrhoea and steatorrhoea.