Bone metabolism following gastric surgery: microdensitometry and single-photon absorptiometry

The impairment of bone metabolism was investigated in patients who underwent gastrectomy or vagotomy with drainage two or more years ago. Serum biochemical analysis, microdensitometry of the 2nd metacarpal bone, and measurements of bone mineral content of the radius (measured 1/3 distally) using single-photon absorptiometry were performed at follow-up examination. Although serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were within normal range, alkaline phosphatase levels were slightly higher for the Billroth II group than for Billroth I. Twenty-eight of 50 gastrectomy cases (56%), and four of 10 vagotomy cases (40%) showed pathologically thin bone: microdensitometric (MD) scores were greater than 3. The Billroth II group showed a far higher frequency of greater MD scores than Billroth I. The MD scores showed significant positive relationship with the age at follow-up, but did not correlate well with the length of the postoperative period. Radial bone mineral content (BMC) was lower in patients with Billroth II anastomosis, or with total or proximal gastrectomy, than in those undergoing Billroth I. These results suggest that metabolic bone disorders following gastric surgery can be detected by MD score and BMC of appendicular bones. However, there was not sufficient resolution with these parameters to detect any bone changes in patients treated with active vitamin D3.