Use of sham feeding tests in the control of complete denervation of the stomach in selective proximal vagotomy

: Sham-feeding tests were preoperatively and postoperatively used by the authors in an attempt to check on completeness of selective proximal vagotomy. The quotient of sham feeding to peak acid output Pentagastrin seemed to provide useful information, in that context. This examination proved to differ from the Hollander test, in that it was harmless to the patient and also provided a better physiological approach to obtaining evidence to postoperative decline of secretion. Significant decline in gastric secretion was postoperatively recorded from 19 patients. Such decline was less strongly pronounced in one patient in whom recurrent ulcer developed together with pyloric stenosis. Induction of merely submaximum vagus stimulation and the need for good cooperation of the patient are considered drawbacks of the sham-feeding test.