The place of pylorus-preserving gastrectomy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer.

Forty-seven patients with chronic duodenal ulceration have had a pylorus-preserving gastrectomy carried out. The mean reduction in maximal acid output after the procedure was 65 per cent. Pyloric sphincter function appeared normal postoperatively and gastric emptying time was slow without stasis. Postoperative dumping was absent and there has been no evidence of recurrence. In spite of retention of a cuff of antrum circulating gastrin levels are greatly reduced. The results appear to justify the use of the procedure for uncomplicated duodenal ulcer.