[Subtotal resection by Billroth-I and its place in the surgical treatment plan for stomach cancer]

An examination of the resected material obtained from 267 cases operated on for cancer of the distal part of the stomach (after Billroth 1-21.4 and Billroth 2-78.6%) failed to establish any correlation between frequency of postoperative complications, mortality rate or even 5-year survival, on the one hand, and surgical procedure, on the other (p greater than 0.05). Such postgastrectomy complications as dumping syndrome and reflux-esophagitis did not occur after application of Billroth 1 procedure, while in the other group they were observed in every seventh case (14.2 +/- 2.4%). Resection after Billroth 1 may be recommended for treatment of a considerable number of patients with cancer of the distal part of the stomach since it is as radical as Billroth 2 procedure but does not disturb major physiological functions.