Stomal dysfunction following partial gastrectomy

The case is reported of a man aged 57 years in whom after partial gastrectomy, gastric emptying remained impaired for a long period of time. The disorder was caused by stomal dyfunction. After 74 days' conservative therapy, mostly on an outpatient basis, passage through the stomach recurred spontaneously. Successful conservative therapy of such a long duration has not previously been reported in the literature. Protracted obstruction of the stoma after partial gastrectomy is rare. On the basis of data in the literature and of personal experience the author advocates prolonged conservation therapy, unless there exists definite proof of a mechanical obstruction.