Treatment of Gastric Hypersecretion with Cimetidine in the Short-Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

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 MethodsFour patients who had undergone extensive small-bowel resection (50 to 90 per cent) were . . .