An evaluation of segmental gastrectomy for gastric ulcer: one to ten year follow-up

Of 61 patients with gastric ulcer subjected to an improved technique of segmental gastrectomy, 26 were available for follow-up study for 1 to 10 years; evaluations were made mainly on the postoperative reduction of gastric acid secretion and motor function of the gastric remnant.

(1) x-ray observation revealed the gastric remnant to be larger than usually seen following Billroth I or II gastrectomy, with no dilatation or remarkable deformity; sphincteric function of the pylorus and peristaltic activity of the gastric remnant were satisfactory; (2) gastric emptying was usually complete in 60 to 180 minutes in 73 percent of the patients, similar to control patients; (3) no instance of dumping syndrome was recognized; (4) average rates of postoperative acid reduction were 58.3 percent for maximal acid concentration, 67.1 percent for maximal acid output, and 67.6 percent for peak acid output, indicating the reduction of gastric acid secretion to be fairly satisfactory. In none of the patients available for follow-up was identified a recurrence of ulcer. These follow-up results suggest the use of segmental gastrectomy for gastric ulcer and for other benign lesions in the mid portion of the stomach.