Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO, also known as pyloric obstruction) is not a single entity; it is the clinical and pathophysiological consequence of any disease process that produces a mechanical impediment to gastric emptying.
Clinical entities that can result in GOO generally are categorized into two well-defined groups of causes: benign and malignant. This classification facilitates discussion of management and treatment. In the past, when peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was more prevalent, benign causes were the most common; however, one review showed that only 37% of patients with GOO have benign disease and the remaining patients have obstruction secondary to malignancy.[1]