Alkaline reflux gastritis: a reevaluation.

The results of Roux-Y reconstruction in 46 patients diagnosed as having alkaline reflux gastritis were analyzed to determine which factors in the preoperative evaluation were associated with a good clinical result after surgery. The operation was considered successful in 30 (65 percent) of the 46 patients. Success was not related to the details of the patient's symptoms, the visible appearance of the gastric mucosa at endoscopy or the extent of histologic abnormalities in a preoperative biopsy or resected specimen of gastric mucosa. Therefore, the outcome of surgery could not be predicted from preoperative findings, and gastritis, even though it is often present, is not likely to be responsible for the symptoms in this syndrome. Nevertheless, the results of surgery for postgastrectomy bile vomiting and abdominal pain are good enough that when other conditions have been ruled out, Roux-Y reconstruction can be recommended for patients with severe complaints.