Until recently, it was only possible to make inferences about small bowel motility from experimental animal models, but manometric techniques now allow prolonged recordings of small bowel motor activity in humans. We have studied the effect of abdominal surgery on motor behavior of the small intestine and here report our observations after various surgical procedures (total gastrectomy, Billroth I and II gastrectomy, ileoanal anastomosis). We discuss the data together with the experiences of others.