ABSTRACT
Delayed Gastric Emptying The incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following PD ranges from 4% to 29% ( 5 , 11 , 13 ) and is associated with other intraabdominal complications ( Table 9.1 ). While DGE is not associated with an increased risk of death, it does prolong hospitalization time ( 5 , 20 ). Parameters used to define DGE include the volume of nasogastric tube output, the length of time before tolerance of oral feeding, and results of scintigraphic studies. At our institution, DGE is defined as failure to achieve oral intake sufficient to maintain adequate hydration by postoperative day 10 ( 9 ).
