Post-gastrectomy patients need to be followed up for 20-30 years

Abstract

AIM:To investigate the incidence and management of nutritional deficiencies following a gastrectomy.METHODS:A gastrectomy population of 227 patients in London was followed up for 30 years after operation to detect and treat nutritional deficiencies.RESULTS:By the end of the first decade iron deficiency was the commonest problem. Vitamin B(12) deficiency became more important in the second decade. During the third decade both reached equal prevalence, being found in some 90% of the female and 70% of the male residual population. Vitamin D deficiency was a lesser problem, reaching its climax in the second decade. Overall, all women fared worse than men.CONCLUSION:The importance of long-term follow-up of gastrectomy patients for iron, Vitamin B(12) and Vitamin D deficiencies is emphasised.