A clinical evaluation of postoperative alkaline reflux gastritis

Alkaline reflux gastritis is by far most common following gastric operations, but its true incidence remains to be determined. It is a distinct postgastrectomy disorder with unique features from other postgastrectomy syndromes. Eight patients with the diagnosis of postoperative alkaline reflux gastritis are presented. Five patients had Henley jejunal loop interposition procedures and two had takedown of their gastroenterostomy and pyloroplasty. One patient had a Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy after a vagotomy and pyloroplasty. A Henley jejunal loop failed to relieve the symptoms in one patient and a Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy brought complete relief of symptoms. Six of the eight patients had esophagitis. The frequent coexistence of alkaline esophagitis and alkaline gastritis must be considered in both treatment.