Patients in whom metoclopramide effectively relieved discomfort associated with gastrointestinal obstruction-related belching insufficiency

ABSTRACT

<b>Case 1</b> A female, aged 81 years, with cardiac stomach cancer. Air retention in the digestive tract aggravated discomfort of the epigastric region, but belching relieved the symptom. As belching insufficiency persisted, the continuous subcutaneous injection of metoclopramide was started. Belching was promoted, and swelling of the upper abdomen was relieved. <b>Case 2</b> A male aged 57 years. Gastrointestinal obstruction related to pancreatic head cancer was observed. He complained of discomfort of the upper abdomen with abdominal swelling. Belching reduced these symptoms. The continuous subcutaneous injection of metoclopramide facilitated belching, and relieved discomfort of the upper abdomen.<b>Discussion</b>： The results suggest that the continuous administration of metoclopramide is a useful option for belching insufficiency associated with cancer-related gastrointestinal obstruction. In the presence of gastrointestinal obstruction,gas retained in the stomach may be elevated/regurgitated through the peristalsis-promoting actions of metoclopramide,promoting belching.