Electromyographic activity of gastrointestinal tract of patient with short-bowel syndrome.

Electromyographic recordings were obtained from a patient with short-bowel syndrome. Eight recording sessions were performed in almost 3 mo, during both fasting and fed states. Slow waves were always present, and their frequencies were similar during both states. Phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC) was not identified in any of the four recordings performed in the 1st mo after the operation. Afterward, phase III was observed in three of four recordings. Ingestion of milk caused substitution of the MMC by the fed pattern in all eight recordings. We conclude that extensive small-bowel resection causes temporary disappearance of phase III of the MMC. A change from a fasting to a fed pattern after food ingestion is normal.