Computer analysis of orally propagated contractions in canine small intestine after Billroth-II gastrectomy

Abstract

The aims of the study were to characterize an unusual motor pattern with orally propagated intestinal contractions occurring after subtotal gastrectomy and to clarify if orally propagated contractions also occur during the normal fasted and fed motor pattern in intact dogs. Jejunal motility was recorded with multiple closely spaced extraluminal transducers. Contractile patterns were analyzed by a special computerized method. Following a Billroth-II gastrectomy without additional vagotomy, the migrating motor complex was often disrupted and replaced by a motor pattern that consisted of contractions propagating aborally and retrograde. The propagation velocity was significantly faster compared with that of phase III contraction waves. In intact dogs, both the fasted and fed motor patterns showed a negligible number of orally propagated contractions. These results show that it is possible to differentiate between aborally and orally propagating contractions by a computerized method. Orally propagated contractions occur frequently after subtotal gastrectomy with gastroenterostomy but are an uncommon feature in intact dogs.

Distal stomach appears essential in the regulation of gastrointestinal transit

“…9,19 The jejunal MMC periodicity was short in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome who received total gastrectomy. 13 With hydrogen breath measurement used to represent small bowel motility, the phenomenon of hyperactive small bowel movement in patients after peptic ulcer surgery was confirmed by our study, as well as by Rieu et al 8 .…”

“…5,6 Some studies already indicate that peptic ulcer surgery leads to rapid small bowel transit and strong contractions. 5,[7][8][9] The proximal and distal portions of the stomach are fundamentally different in their motor functions dealing with gastric emptying. The proximal portion is usually responsible for the accommodation of the food, whereas the distal portion mainly grinds food.…”