Roux-en-Y loop reconstruction as remedial operation for reflux gastritis after gastric resection

Abstract

Reflux gastritis is a symptom-complex consisting of antacid-resistent epigastric pain, nausea and frequent vomiting, weight loss and anaemia, sometimes with evident gastrointestinal haemorrhage. Gastric secretory studies usually show achlorhydria. The onset of symptoms is usually abrupt in previously healthy subjects. From 1973 to 1977, eleven patients with the established diagnosis of reflux gastritis have been treated with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction, as a remedial operation. There was no mortality in the series. At follow-up after a mean time of two years, the result was graded as excellent in ten patients and as fair in one. It is concluded that the Roux-en-Y procedure can be recommended in patients with reflux gastritis.