Early dumping is an osmotic effect which results from gastric contents of high osmolarity passing rapidly into the small intestine, absorbing fluid from the gut wall, and producing a temporary oligaemia.
It begins immediately after a meal and is characterised by attacks of sweating, flushing, tachycardia, hypotension, palpitations, epigastric fullness and nausea. Less commonly, there may be colicky abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.
It is precipitated by hot, sweet or bulky meals taken with fluid.
Early dumping is usually a transient phenomenon following a gastrectomy - especially of the Polya type. However, it may persist in up to 5% of patients.
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