Obstructing gastric carcinoma complicating pregnancy

Although gastric cancer has not been reported in association with pregnancy, the authors encountered it in a paraplegic young pregnant woman presenting with gastric outlet obstruction.Fiberoptic gastroscopy and biopsy provided the surprising tissue diagnosis. Ultrasound was helpful in assessing the size and position of the fetus. Intravenous fluid therapy and total parenteral nutrition enabled the authors to correct the negative nitrogen balance and metabolic derangement, and to improve the operative risk to both the mother and the fetus.Cesarean section delivered a viable baby. A high gastrectomy relieved the patient of her obstruction and tumor burden. Although the long-term prognosis of gastric cancer remains grim, having saved the mother and the baby through such an ordeal is a rewarding experience.