Reflux esophagitis in patients with partial gastrectomy and Billroth I or II reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Data on the occurrence of reflux esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus in patients with Billroth I or II resection is sparse. For this reason a cross-sectional study was done in order to assess reflux disease in Billroth resection.


METHODS
Consecutive patients were included in the study. Coincidental pathology (hiatus hernia, ulcer, esophagitis, and cancer) was noted.


RESULTS
Over a period of 12 years, 370 consecutive patients with a partial gastrectomy were seen (268 Billroth II, 102 Billroth I) and three groups of patients were identified. Group 1 included 64 patients (17%) with a hiatus hernia; group 2, 16 patients (4%) with reflux esophagitis; and group 3, 290 patients (78%) with only a Billroth resection. Reflux disease occurred significantly more often in men than in women (7.5% vs. 2%, p<0.05). There was no difference in type of resection or in the presence of reflux esophagitis. Four patients had an esophageal cancer (only one adenocarcinoma).


CONCLUSIONS
Only a minority of patients with partial gastrectomy has signs of esophagitis in the long term.
Loffeld
R J L F
RJ
Department of Internal Medicine, Zaans Medisch Centrum, PO BOX 210 1500 EE, Zaandam, The Netherlands.