Effect of gastric and transpyloric tubes on gastric emptying and duodenogastric reflux.

The effect of thin and pliable gastric and transpyloric duodenal tubes on gastric emptying was studied in healthy volunteers. Gastric emptying was unaffected by both gastric and transpyloric tubes. Gastric emptying was also similar whether a milk-cream meal was instilled via a tube or was swallowed. The effect of a transpyloric tube on postprandial and fasting duodenogastric reflux was studied by using a technique that does not require a transpyloric tube in order to measure reflux. Duodenogastric reflux was similar in the fasting state and after feeding and was not affected by a transpyloric tube. In conclusion, thin and pliable gastric and transpyloric tubes do not affect gastric emptying and duodenogastric reflux in humans, and, in addition, the mode of administration of a meal does not affect gastric emptying.