Shrinkage of the Gastric Antrum following Gastroenterostomy

Abstract

Radiological and endoscopic shrinkage of the antrum of the stomach may occur in the elderly and following gastroenterostomy. We describe this in 18 subjects, of whom 17 had a gastroenterostomy with or without vagotomy. Shrinkage can appear within two years of operation and is usually associated with a well-functioning stoma. Reflux biliary gastritis occurred in almost all and in nine out often tested the acid secretion in response to pentagastrin was virtually nil. Dyspepsia and bile vomiting were frequent indications for endoscopy. No patient had jejunal ulceration. In the majority radiological interpretation was correct.