[Primary carcinoma of the gastric stump after resection for peptic ulcer]

Seven cases of primary carcinoma of the gastric stump operated over the last five years are reported. Intervals of from 21 to 44 yr between surgery and the onset of carcinoma were noted. All patients were males and their ages ranged from 54 to 74 yr. Diagnosis was essentially radiographical, though gastroscopical and histological confirmation was obtained in 2 cases. Simple derivative anastomosis was employed in 2 cases. Total, extended gastrectomy was carried out in 3 cases (2 with interposition of the jejunal loop and 1 with direct oesophago-jejunal recanalisation. Gastric resection following degastroentero-anastomosis was performed in the remaining 2 cases. Survivals include 2 subjects apparently in good health 2 6/12 and 2 7/12 yr after surgery. Two patients died after 16 and 18 months. While the prognosis for stump cancer is very poor as far as long-term results are concerned, passive and entirely negative management would seem unjustified.