Abstract
Of 44 patients operated upon for peptic ulcer and subjected to absorption tests before operation, 35 could be followed up with absorption tests 1 and 6 years after operation. The following operations had been performed on the latter: antrectomy with gastroduodenostomy in 16, antrectomy with selective vagotomy and gastroduodenostomy in 11, and other operations in 8. Six years after operation there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean value of the Schilling test, but no clear change in d-xylose absorption and no definite disturbance in fat absorption according to the faecal dry weight fat content. At the time of the 6-year follow-up examination, 7 patients had an impaired d-xylose absorption and/or fat absorption. According to the increase in the mean body weight and the haemoglobin and serum protein concentrations, the nutritive status of the whole material was improved.
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