Bile reflux in gastric ulcer: the effect of smoking, metoclopramide and carbenoxolone sodium

Abstract

The degree of bile reflux into the stomach was examined during a standard test meal in 26 patients with gastric ulcer. The test meal was repeated within 7 days in 10 patients who smoked during the second test; the degree of reflux increased considerably in six. In a further 10 patients the test was repeated 15 minutes after an oral dose of metoclopramide; there was no change in the degree of reflux. In 6 other patients the effect of a single dose and also of one week's treatment with carbenoxolone was examined. There was no change in the degree of bile reflux observed in either the second or third tests. Although oral metoclopramide and carbenoxolone appeared to have no effect on bile reflux into the stomach, smoking increased reflux considerably in 6 of 10 patients. The significance of these findings is discussed with reference to therapy in gastric ulcer.