TREATMENT OF GASTRIC HYPER-SECRETION WITH CIMETIDINE IN THE SHORT-BOWEL SYNDROME

GASTRIC acid hypersecretion after massive small-bowel resection is transient, and its magnitude is proportional to the length of intestine removed.1 2 3 4 Peptic ulceration with hemorrhage and perforation, malabsorption due to inactivation of pancreatic enzymes, acid diarrhea and fluid and electrolyte losses with metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia have all been reported.4,5 With the development of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine,6 a simple way to control gastric hypersecretion in the short-bowel syndrome has become available, as illustrated in the following study of four cases. Material and Methods Four patients who had undergone extensive small-bowel resection (50 to 90 per cent) were. © 1979, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.