In the early postoperative period after selective proximal vagotomy, there is often a delayed emptying of solid food. We examined the contraction of the antrum by intraluminal manometry in duodenal-ulcer-patients prior to (n = 20), 14 days after (n = 20) and 1--2 years after SPV with pyloroplasty. The motility was tested before and after i.v. injection of 20 mg metoclopramide. Preoperatively metoclopramide effected a significant rise of contraction in the antrum. 14 days after operation the motility was significantly reduced (85,7%--90,7%). Metoclopramide stimulated again the intraluminal pressure waves. Compared with the preoperative effect the metoclopramide induced motility also was reduced by 89,9% 1--2 years after operation the antral motility with or without metoclopramide injection had returned to preoperative values.