The Pancreatic Enzymes After Gastrectomy Trial

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Gastrectomy (total and partial distal); at least \> 50 % of the stomach must be resected 2. Age 18 or older 3. Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Indication for pancreas enzyme therapy 2. Gastrectomy with palliative intention 3. UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) Stage IV gastric malignancy 4. Malnutrition of other aetiology 5. Life expectancy \< 12 months 6. Known lactose intolerance 7. Known hereditary galactose intolerance 8. Patients on alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) 9. Acute pancreatitis 10. Acute episode of chronic pancreatitis 11. Known hypersensitivity to moulds (mould allergy) or any other ingredient of NORTASE® 12. Participation in competing interventional trials may be allowed under circumstances 13. Patients under legal supervision or guardianship 14. Patients who are dependent on the investigator or the medical staff of the trial team or the coordinating investigator or the sponsor 15. Fertile women (within two years of their last menstruation) without appropriate contraceptive measures (implanon, injections, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, partner with vasectomy) while participating in the trial 16. Pregnant or nursing women 17. Suspected lack of compliance 18. Patients who were already enrolled in the trial