Gastric pouch acid secretion in response to physiologic digestive function.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate acid secretion and histologic features of the gastric segment used for bladder replacement in bladder cancer.


METHODS
Nine patients were investigated a mean of 36 months after gastric pouch surgery with modified shamfeeding and feeding. We determined urinary acidity, urinary pH, serum gastrin, and serum pancreatic polypeptide values and tried to find a relationship between feeding and acid secretion in the gastric pouch. In 6 patients, biopsy and histopathologic examination were performed.


RESULTS
In 8 patients, urinary acidity increased after feeding following the rise of gastrin; in 1 patient no increase of gastrin or acidity was observed. In 7 patients, urinary acidity did not change after modified shamfeeding, indicating vagal denervation after surgery. This group showed a minimal urinary pH of above 4 after feeding. On the other hand, in 2 patients an increased acid secretion was observed after modified shamfeeding, indicating the possible presence of residual vagal innervation. In this group, the acid secretion in the pouch was higher, reaching the minimal pH level earlier after feeding. Histopathologic examination showed no major structural changes of gastric mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients are vagally denervated after gastric pouch surgery, and the gastric segment continues its original gastrointestinal function by a hormonal pathway. Our data indicate, however, that in some patients, the gastric pouch keeps a residual vagal innervation. We therefore suggest that nerve fibers present in the blood supply of the gastric segment be interrupted to avoid the complications associated with increased acid secretion of the gastric pouch.
Acar
O
O
Department of Urology, Zurich University School of Medicine, Switzerland.
Bauerfeind
P
P
Ambühl
P M
PM
Cathomas
G
G
Fried
M
M
Hauri
D
D
D000368:Aged; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology*; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005755:Gastrins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013270:Stomach / Q000637:transplantation*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016476:Urinary Reservoirs, Continent / Q000502:physiology*; D014556:Urine
D005755:Gastrins