Bone mineral and intestinal calcium absorption after partial gastrectomy

Fifty patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy for benign ulcer disease 3-4 years previously were examined. Blood haemoglobin, serum iron, calcium, and phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, urine excretion of calcium and phosphorus, faecal fat, body weight, and bone mineral density by 241Am gamma ray attenuation were determined preoperatively and at the follow-up investigation. Radiocalcium (47Ca) absorption was measured at the follow-up and compared with that of controls. An increase was found in serum alkaline phosphatase and a decrease in serum inorganic phosphorus and urinary calcium excretion. The other biochemical data did not change significantly. The bone mineral density of the gastrectomized patients did not differ from that of the controls in either sex. The intestinal 47Ca absorption showed no significant difference between the patients and controls.