Long-term effects after partial gastrectomy in elderly men. A longitudinal population study of men between 70 and 75 years of age.

Subjects who have had a partial gastrectomy are today mainly found among the elderly. In the population study of 70-year-olds in Gothenburg in 1971-72, 449 men were investigated. Out of these, 10% had had a partial gastrectomy. A total of 331 subjects was re-examined 5 years later at the age of 75. Two groups were recognized in accordance with operative method: Billroth type I (B I) and Billroth type II (B II). In comparison with the non-operated group, the B-II-operated group showed a mean lower body weight of about 6 kg at 70 and 11 kg at 75 years. Although the body weight was lower among operated subjects, no difference was found in the intake of energy and nutrients. There was a greater occurrence of bone fractures among the operated subjects. Tobacco smoking was commoner among subjects with partial gastrectomy. Among the B I and B II groups there was a change in the blood constituents B-hemoglobin, P-vitamin B12, S-calcium, S-ALP, and S-TIBC. At the age of 75 the bone mineral content of the heel bone, as measured with photon absorptiometry, was lower among operated subjects. An increased occurrence of smoking-related cancer was found among subjects with partial gastrectomy.