[Major undernutrition after total gastrectomy. Critical analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms. One case (author's transl)].

The authors report on a 66-year-old man who presented with major undernutrition 3 1/2 years after total gastrectomy for gastric lymphosarcoma. This case shows that severe post-gastrectomy undernutrition can still be seen nowadays. It also provides an opportunity to discuss the complex pathophysiology of major deficiency syndromes and underlines the predominant role of inadequate food intake in the pathogenesis of the syndrome.