Canine motility and gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy

The aim of the present study was to elucidate factors influencing gastric emptying in dogs after a two-thirds distal gastrectomy with either Roux-Y or Billroth I reconstruction. The effects of a medium-viscosity nutrient meal on gastrointestinal motility and gastric emptying were investigated. Motility was recorded with long-term implanted extraluminal strain gauge force transducers; gastric emptying was measured radiographically. Gastric emptying after Roux-Y gastrectomy was almost linear and not different from that in intact control dogs. In contrast to Roux-Y gastrectomy, emptying after Billroth I gastrectomy was initially accelerated and followed by a slow emptying phase. During the initial period, the segmenting activity of the Roux-Y limb significantly differed from the propulsive contractile pattern of the duodenum after Billroth I reconstruction. Force and frequency of gastrointestinal contractions were equivalent after both reconstruction procedures. Results indicate that after subtotal gastrectomy, the intestinal contractile patterns are important determinants of gastric emptying. They are the main causes for the different emptying patterns of viscous nutrient meals.