Within recent decades rapid strides have been made in the surgical treatment of diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The clinical application of an ever-increasing knowledge of upper gastrointestinal physiology and the utilization of modern ancillary methods of supporting the surgical patient have contributed to a progressive decrease in morbidity and mortality following gastric resection.
Despite this favorable outlook, the surgeon still must be prepared to face the possibility of long-term unfavorable side-effects as well as immediate postoperative complications following the total or partial removal of the stomach. Considerable emphasis has been placed upon the factors associated with the ultimate well-being of the postgastrectomy patient.1,4-6,10 No one can deny that the risk of dumping, secondary anemia, altered nutritional states, and even psychiatric maladjustment must be given grave consideration before a person is subjected to gastric surgery. However, the far-sighted appraisal of the gastrectomized patient must not draw attention away