Small intestinal myoelectrical activity and bacterial flora after Roux-en-Y reconstruction

Small bowel myoelectrical activity and intestinal microflora were examined after partial gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction in six dogs. Bacteriological analysis revealed a predominance of faecal bacteria. The basal electrical rhythm of the Roux limb was significantly decreased, while the frequency of phase III was increased (P < 0.05). In the bypassed duodenum, activity fronts occurred in only 25 per cent of experiments. Food intake led to an increase in the mean(s.e.m.) motility index in the Roux limb (from 46.1(9.4) to 75.0(21.5), P < 0.05), but not in the bypassed intestine (from 27.0(3.6) to 27.8(4.1), P not significant). Stimulation of the hypomotile bypassed intestine with cisapride induced an increase in the motility index from 27.0(3.6) to 111.2(16.5) (P < 0.001).