Delayed return of gastric emptying after gastroenterostomy.

A retrospective study of patients having gastroenterostomies was undertaken to identify predictive factors for the development of postoperative delayed return of gastric emptying (DRGE). A total of 322 consecutive patients underwent 324 gastroenterostomies; 35 experienced delayed return of gastric emptying. Regression analysis demonstrated preoperative obstruction to be the most significant factor (P less than 0.001). Vagotomy was not an independent variable. Age, sex, size of stoma, anastomotic technique, albumin and experience of the operator were not significant factors. Gastroenterostomy in the presence of 'gastric atony' was likely to produce DRGE. In all, 86 per cent of cases resolved spontaneously. Only one case of DRGE was found to have a mechanical cause. Most patients were supported by parenteral nutrition but, with a knowledge of the identified risk factors, more thought could be given to establishing a route for jejunal feeding at the time of surgery.