New observations on the absorption of 47Ca in patients with partial gastrectomy.

By comparison with controls the investigation of 47Ca absorption and excretion kinetics after oral administration to patients with Billroth I gastrectomy (without milk intolerance) showed no differences in excretion of the isotope in urine and stool or in retention in the body. Patients with Billroth II gastrectomy had a higher degree of isotope excretion in stool and a lower retention of 47Ca. The higher absorption curves of isotope in Billroth I patients suggest a more rapid rate of 47Ca absorption without an actual change in transport capacity.