skip to main content

Postoperative gastroparesis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardSurgery (post-operative, follow-up)Postoperative gastroparesisUSMLE Step 3

A 70-year-old woman has persistent nausea and early satiety 3 weeks after distal gastrectomy. She has lost 8 lb. Upper endoscopy shows no obstruction. Gastric emptying study shows markedly delayed emptying. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Postoperative gastroparesis

Delayed gastric emptying after gastric surgery can cause nausea, early satiety, and weight loss when mechanical obstruction is excluded. This contrasts with dumping syndrome, which involves rapid emptying and postprandial vasomotor or hypoglycemic symptoms.

Reference: Post-gastrectomy complication guidance