Comparison of the combination of cholestyramine/alginates with placebo in the treatment of postgastrectomy biliary reflux gastritis.

Postgastrectomy biliary reflux gastritis is quite common. Several drugs have been used in its treatment, including the bile acid-binding resin cholestyramine, which seemed ineffective, possibly because of its rapid disappearance from the gastric remnant. It was suggested that by using alginates, which form a raft floating on the gastric contents, cholestyramine would be retained in the stomach for a longer period. 32 patients received either placebo or cholestyramine/alginates/bicarbonate (CAB). Gastroscopy with biopsies, laboratory studies and physical examination were performed before and after the trial. A two week intervals patients were interviewed about the effect on symptoms. A detailed Y-ray study was made of 5 patients, in which a series of pictures was taken after ingestion either of placebo or CAB together with a novel contrast medium. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups with respect to symptoms, gastroscopy or histological findings, nor did the X-ray study show any difference in retention time between placebo and CAB.