EFFECT OF EXPERIMENTAL PYLORIC STENOSIS ON GASTRIC SECRETION

Abstract

An increase above the normal average in the acidity of the gastric contents is observed in various conditions associated with pyloric obstruction in man. This condition is referred to as "hypersecretion and hyperacidity." In most cases, however, the amount of acidity, although greater than the normal average, is within the limits of normal variation. Therefore, in the absence of a knowledge of the acidity of the gastric contents prior to the onset of the disease causing the pyloric obstruction, it may be argued that the acidity found is normal. Also, since there is usually a gastric retention in pyloric obstruction due to functional or organic disturbances, it is probable that a hypernormal acidity may be due to a retention of a normal amount of gastric secretion, and therefore is only relative. Even if hypernormal secretion did occur, one would not be able to state whether it was due to the