Which symptom suggests dumping syndrome after gastric surgery?

• A. Nausea that worsens with meals
• B. Abdominal cramps with diaphoresis and diarrhea after meals
• C. Chronic constipation
• D. Jaundice and right upper quadrant pain

Answer: (B)

Dumping syndrome happens when after gastric surgery the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine too quickly. That rapid flow pulls fluid into the gut, which can cause cramping, sweating, and diarrhea soon after a meal. The combination of abdominal cramps with diaphoresis and diarrhea specifically after meals is the classic pattern of early dumping syndrome, usually occurring within minutes to about half an hour after eating. This timing after meals helps distinguish it from other post-op issues. Constipation isn’t tied to meals, jaundice with right upper quadrant pain suggests biliary or liver problems, and nausea alone isn’t as distinctive of dumping syndrome as the post-meal cramping with sweating and diarrhea.