Gastric remnant carcinoma

One hundred cases of gastric carcinoma at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center included 7 cases of gastric remnant carcinomas, which were analyzed and compared with prior reports in the literature. Gastric remnant carcinoma is a distinct entity, noted in greatest incidence beginning approximately 15 years after surgery for benign gastric disease. Although the etiology is unknown, the high incidence of bile reflux and concomitant existence of histologic change may account for a premalignant environment in which the stomach assumes some absorptive function. Such new activity may result in the influx of potentially carcinogenic compounds and subsequent tumor development. Early diagnosis of remnant carcinoma following gastric surgery is important to improved prognosis, and endoscopic followup is recommended for all such patients beginning 10-15 years postoperatively.