Bacterial Overgrowth, Intestinal Transit, and Nutrition after Total Gastrectomy: Comparison of a Jejunal Pouch with Roux-en-Y Reconstruction in a Prospective Random Study

Abstract

Background: Jejunal pouches after total gastrectomy have been introduced to diminish postgastrectomy symptoms and improve nutrition. However, the effect of a pouch on the intestinal bacteriology and transit is controversial. Methods: Bacterial overgrowth was measured with the glucose breath test and the mouth-to-caecum transit time (MCTT) by means of the lactulose breath test after total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction in 24 patients with a pouch (Pouch group) and in 22 patients without a pouch (Roux-en-Y group). Postoperative symptoms were evaluated with a standard questionnaire, and nutrition was measured by blood chemistry and weight loss. Results