Operation-sequel carcinoma--an experimental study

Gastric-stump carcinoma, a special form of gastric carcinoma, is seen as a late complication of gastric surgery performed on the carcinoma-free stomach. In the present experimental series a considerable number of carcinomas were observed, for the first time, in rats after gastric surgery without additional application of a carcinogen. The rate of malignancies arising in the gastric stump correlates closely with the intensity of the duodenogastric reflux provoked by different surgical procedures. The important role of duodenogastric reflux for the development and growth of gastric stump carcinoma is thus established beyond doubt. While bearing in mind the need for caution in translating experimental results to man, this study does suggest the value of reflux-preventing techniques in the surgical management of gastric diseases. Patients who have undergone an operation are at increased risk of developing carcinoma, and therefore require consequent and regular follow-up examination. The introduction of surgical prophylaxis and careful postoperative surveillance are the only effective methods for the prevention of gastric stump carcinoma.