K31: Other diseases of stomach and duodenum

K31.0: Acute dilatation of stomach

The stomach is located in the upper abdomen. The stomach has a curved shape, and is connected to the gullet (oesophagus) at its upper end and with the first part of the small intestine at its lower end. Between the stomach and the small intestine there is a circular sphincter, the pylorus. The inside of the stomach is lined with mucous membrane.

When you consume food, your stomach expands. When you consume too much food too quickly, your stomach may then become overexpanded. The stomach can also overexpand as the result of an accident. If the stomach is severely overexpanded, it may rupture.