[Scintigraphic image of bile reflux following gastric and intestinal surgery]

Bile reflux may occur after a variety of reconstructive procedures in the gastro-intestinal tract and biliary system. The present paper deals with reflux into the duodenum, jejunum, stomach, oesophagus and into blind loops. The demonstration of reflux by 99mTc labelled IDA acid derivatives, and a possible quantitative approach, are discussed. The advantages of an isotope method are: 1. Direct demonstration of bile reflux without any intervention in the physiological process and with little trouble to the patient, 2. The ability to use the method for various reconstructive procedures and 3. The additional information obtained which may help in the differential diagnosis of blind loops, biliary obstructions, cholecystitis or liver metastases if there has been a gastrectomy for a malignant tumour. In combination with a second administration of a radio-isotope tracer, one may be able to demonstrate abnormalities in the motility of the stomach or gut, or pyloric stenosis or gastro-oesophageal reflux.