ObjectiveTo determine the possible causes for functional delayed gastric emptying (FDGE) and its diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThe clinical data of 53 FDGE patients after subtotal gastrectomy from 1987 to 2001 were retrospectively analysed. ResultsAll the 53 patients were recovered and discharged. Among them, 11 were misdiagnosised as mechanical ileus and were reoperated on. ConclusionsThe main cause of FDGE may be the disturbance of gastrointestinal motility which may be caused by vegetative nerve injury during the operation. The main therapy is non-surgical treatment and reoperation should be avoided at the early stage.