Our Summary

This paper looks at how the stomach empties itself after a part of it (the lower part) has been surgically removed - a procedure mostly done for stomach cancer. It’s generally believed that after surgery, the stomach empties faster because some key parts that control the process have been removed. However, often when doctors check the stomach after surgery, they find leftover food even after the patient has fasted overnight. This suggests that the stomach might be emptying slower than expected.

The researchers looked at previous studies that used a special imaging technique (scintigraphy) to separately measure how fast the stomach empties liquids and solids after this surgery. They found that the stomach does indeed empty liquids faster than normal, especially just after eating. Solid foods also leave the stomach quickly right after a meal. However, about an hour after eating, the remaining solids in the stomach start to leave more slowly. This slow-down might be why doctors find leftover food in the stomach.

In simple terms, after this type of stomach surgery, both liquids and solids leave the stomach quickly right after eating, but solids start to leave more slowly about an hour later.

FAQs

  1. Does the stomach empty faster or slower after a gastrectomy?
  2. How do liquids and solids empty from the stomach differently after a gastrectomy?
  3. Why do doctors often find leftover food in the stomach after a gastrectomy, even when the patient has fasted overnight?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than large meals. This can help with digestion and prevent discomfort or complications from food staying in the stomach longer than expected. It’s also important to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to aid in digestion. Additionally, staying hydrated and choosing easily digestible foods can help support the digestive process after gastrectomy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, gastric ulcers, or severe complications from obesity such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. Additionally, patients with hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome may also undergo gastrectomy as a preventive measure.

Timeline

Timeline of what a patient experiences before and after gastrectomy:

Before gastrectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer or another condition that requires removal of part of the stomach.
  • Patient undergoes extensive testing and preparation for surgery, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with various specialists.
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or take medications to prepare for surgery.
  • Surgery is performed to remove part of the stomach.

After gastrectomy:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is closely monitored for any complications.
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen, which is managed with pain medications.
  • Patient is gradually introduced to clear liquids and then progresses to a full liquid diet.
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor for any complications or issues with healing.
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare team for monitoring and follow-up care.
  • Patient may need to make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle to accommodate for the changes in their stomach function.
  • Patient may experience changes in their digestion and may need to take supplements or medications to help with digestion.
  • Patient continues to have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor for any long-term complications or issues related to the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will my diet need to change after gastrectomy surgery?
  2. What potential complications should I be aware of following gastrectomy surgery?
  3. How will my digestion be affected after gastrectomy surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any additional supplements or medications after gastrectomy surgery?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after gastrectomy surgery?
  6. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with my digestion after gastrectomy surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or procedures to monitor my stomach emptying after gastrectomy surgery?
  8. How can I best manage any discomfort or complications that may arise after gastrectomy surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term risks or concerns I should be aware of after gastrectomy surgery?
  10. What lifestyle changes or modifications should I consider making after gastrectomy surgery to promote optimal digestion and overall health?

Reference

Authors: Shibata C, Sawada K, Mitamura A, Nakano T. Journal: J Smooth Muscle Res. 2025;61:20-28. doi: 10.1540/jsmr.61.20. PMID: 39924191