Gastric emptying and small bowel transit of solid food after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

We examined the gastric emptying and small bowel transit of solid food in ten patients one to 45 months after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Gastric emptying and small bowel transit were measured by computer analysis of data from a scintillation camera using technetium Tc 99m-tagged chicken liver mixed with beef stew and were compared with the results in five control subjects. The nutritional status of the patients was also evaluated. Gastric emptying was normal in six patients, rapid in three patients, and delayed in one patient. Small bowel transit was normal in two patients, rapid in seven patients, and delayed in one patient. Most of the patients were asymptomatic, ate three meals a day, and gained weight after the operation. These findings show that after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, most patients consume a regular diet and achieve an excellent nutritional status. Gastric emptying is normal, not slowed. Small bowel transit is faster than normal but is without clinical sequelae.