Gastrin response to food after three types of intestinal shunt operations for obesity

In a retrospective study the basal and food-stimulated serum concentrations of gastrin and gastric secretion of acid were studied in 28 patients following three types of intestinal shunt operation for obesity. In each type 48 cm of functioning small intestine was preserved, but the ratio between functioning jejunum and ileum was different. The basal and stimulated concentrations of gastrin in serum were significantly higher in patients with the shortest jejunum in function. There was no difference in the gastric acid output. The study suggests that gastrin participates in evoking the gastric hypersecretion of acid which follows massive bowel resection or bypass. Deprivation of a hormonal inhibitory substance from the upper jejunum may be responsible for the increased serum gastrin concentration.