Patterns of gastric emptying in the vagotomized intrathoracic stomach (used for esophageal replacement) were studied using radioisotope techniques. Following esophagectomy and gastric mobilization, the patients were randomized into three groups: group 1, pyloroplasty; group 2, pyloromyotomy; and group 3, pylorus stretching. A total of 30 patients surviving the operation and who were still alive at least 3 months afterwards were included in this study. Gastric emptying (GE) was evaluated 6-8 weeks after the operation. The mean GE time for liquids was 3.3 +/- 2.7, 4.1 +/- 3.1, and 5.5 +/- 4.3 min in the three groups, respectively. The corresponding GE time for solids in the three groups was 9.9 +/- 5.1, 10.31 +/- 6.6, and 7.7 +/- 3.4 min. No statistical difference was observed in the GE in the three groups even though liquids tend to empty faster than solids. Clinically there was also no significant difference in their ability to tolerate normal meals. When evaluated for clinical evidence of altered GE (effect of vagotomy) there did not appear to be any significant differences between the three groups. It is therefore concluded that all pylorus drainage procedures behave in much the same way. Patients may develop some problems, but these disappear in due course after proper adjustments have been made in both posture and diet.