Gastroenterology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of ghrelin administration after total gastrectomy: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study.
Body weight (BW) loss and reduction of blood ghrelin level are commonly observed after total gastrectomy (TG). A prospective study was designed to elucidate whether exogenous ghrelin administration prevents postoperative BW loss by improving appetite and oral food intake in patients with gastric cancer after undergoing TG. ⋯ Short-term administration of synthetic ghrelin was safe and successfully lessened postoperative BW loss and improved appetite and food intake after TG.