Effects of upper gastro-intestinal surgery on blood formation and bone metabolism

The relationship of anaemia to gastric secretion more than 15 years after vagotomy and gastro-enterostomy

“…Another possible cause for the reduction in gastric secretion found in our anaemic patients has been suggested by Williams (1964). He has postulated that the duodenal and bile juice reflux associated with a gastro-enterostomy may result in chronic gastritis, glandular atrophy and subsequent hyposecretion.…”

BPD and BPD-DS Concerns and Results

“…The bone problems caused by BPD do not seem to differ substantially from those reported in 25%-35% of postgastrectomy subjects with duodenal exclusion for peptic ulcer (Williams, 1964, Eddy, 1984, Fisher, 1984 and in one-third of patients with gastric bypass for obesity (Crowley et al, 1986). The mechanism is very likely a decreased calcium absorption causing an augmented parathyroid hormone (PTH) release which is generally sufficient to normalize serum calcium level at the expense of bone calcium content.…”

Disabilities Which May Follow the Peptic Ulcer Operation

“…Low vitamin B12 levels are found in 45 % of gastrectomy patients five years after operation (Williams, 1964). Therefore a B12 estimation should be made five years postoperatively or, if this is difficult, prophylactic administration can do no harm and may improve the patient's weight and sense of well-being.…”