[Postoperative behavior of gastrectomized rats in an open field after Roux-Y-reconstruction with and without pouch]

In a series of experimental studies on rat behavior following reconstructive surgery after gastrectomy the effects of Roux-Y-Pouch-technique (RY-P) as compared to Roux-Y (RY) alone were observed. 12 rats with RY-P and 13 rats with RY were tested on days 100-105 post surgery using the Open-Field-test paradigm. Feeding behavior and weight were additionally controlled. Data analysis of repeated measurement design (ANOVA) revealed significant group x time-interaction between type of reconstruction and exploratory behaviors (p < .01). Moreover, RY-P rats consumed more food (p < .001), had higher weight gain (p < .01), and tended to more normal defecation. Overall, results favour the more physiological type of reconstruction.