Different gastric emptying of solid and liquid meals after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background Transient gastric stasis immediately after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) is a common complication, but the cause remains unknown. Changes in gastric emptying were investigated in patients undergoing PPPD for periampullary malignancy. Methods In 14 patients undergoing PPPD, liquid- and solid-phase gastric emptying were evaluated before and after operation (mean 38 (range 27–53) days after operation). Two pharmacological gastric-emptying tests were used: the acetaminophen test for liquid-phase emptying and the sulphamethizole capsule food test for solid-phase gastric emptying. Results All patients exhibited delayed solid emptying but fairly good liquid emptying. Conclusion Gastric function in the early postoperative period after PPPD is characterized by delayed solid-phase but good liquid-phase emptying. © 1998 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd