Peptide treatment of postgastrectomy obstruction.

Seventeen patients with symptoms of acute or chronic postgastrectomy obstruction of a life-threatening nature have been treated with a peptide substance that is isolated from the bovine neurohypophysis (coherin) and has a regularizing effect on the electromotor performance of the small intestine of the dog and man. All patients treated in this study were relieved of their obstructive symptoms. After weight gain began, the majority of patients with acute obstruction were able to discontinue coherin therapy. Five patients with chronic obstruction have required prolonged treatment with coherin to maintain normal alimentary function.