Background: Transient gastric stasis immediately after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) is a common complication, but the cause remains unknown. Changes in gastric emptying were investigated in patients undergoing PPPD for periampullary malignancy.
Methods: In 14 patients undergoing PPPD, liquid- and solid-phase gastric emptying were evaluated before and after operation (mean 38 (range 27-53) days after operation). Two pharmacological gastric-emptying tests were used: the acetaminophen test for liquid-phase emptying and the sulphamethizole capsule food test for solid-phase gastric emptying.
Results: All patients exhibited delayed solid emptying but fairly good liquid emptying.
Conclusion: Gastric function in the early postoperative period after PPPD is characterized by delayed solid-phase but good liquid-phase emptying.