Prolapsing gastric polyp, an unusual cause of gastric outlet obstruction: a review of the pathology and management of gastric polyps

Abstract

Gastric polyps are rare and largely asymptomatic, but attract importance because of their strong potential to progress to carcinoma. Rarely, pedunculated polyps arising in the antrum may prolapse through the pylorus, causing intermittent gastric outlet obstruction. We describe here our experience of four cases collected over a ten-year period, each presenting dissimilarly with this phenomenon. We review the literature referring to the pathogenesis of gastric polyps and their association with malignancy and other disorders. We proceed to discuss the efficacy of barium studies versus gastroscopy in detecting these lesions, the relative roles and merits of endoscopic polypectomy and surgery, and the importance of prolonged follow-up of patients harbouring gastric polyps.