Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty for gastric drainage in connection with vagotomy was carried out in 50 cases. Postoperatively a nasogastric tube with suction was used for 72 hours. The diet then was increased very slowly from liquid to bland, over a period of several weeks. If symptoms suggestive of retention developed, the oral intake was sharply decreased and if no relief was noted the tube was reinserted for 24 to 48 hours.Of the 50 patients, 46 had no retention symptoms after operation. Of the four who had, one required gastroenterostomy but was later found to have carcinoma of the pancreas with ulceration into the duodenum. The remaining three responded to conservative measures.