Background: The mechanism for weight loss following gastroplasty surgery is unknown. A few studies have checked gastric emptying patterns following gastroplasty, but none have analysed their pattern over time. Methods: Gastric emptying half-time of Tc-99 phytate-labeled semi-solid meal was studied in 23 obese non-diabetic and one diabetic patient (BMI 34.6-55.7). Gastric emptying was measured by gamma scintigraphy before Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty (SRVG) and 1, 3 and 6 months following surgery. Results: Gastric emptying half-times were maximal in all areas of the stomach 1 month after operation, declined to base-line 3 months following the procedure, and showed statistically significant delay in the upper area of the stomach 6 months after the operation. No correlation was found between the delay in food passage following surgery and loss of weight. Conclusions: Prolongation of gastric emptying half-time following surgery may be a result of two separate mechanisms: asymptomatic or early inflammatory processes in the ring area and pouch distention as a result of partial denervation.
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Bendet, N., Livshitz, G., Mindlin, L. et al. Gastric Emptying Half-time Following Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty: A Scintigraphic Study (Preliminary Results). OBES SURG 6, 459–462 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1381/096089296765556331
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1381/096089296765556331