[Behavior of serum iron levels and total iron-binding capacity following gastrectomy]

Iron and the total iron binding capacity before and after an application of iron per os using the method of atomic absorption were determined in serum of 18 patients with a gastrectomy. The results were compared with a healthy group without a gastrectomy. We could not find significant disturbances of the enteral resorption of iron. But some patients show symptomes of a latent iron deficiency. After an operation the routine substitution of iron per os in patients without the stomach is indicated.