Experimental Massive Intestinal Resection Comparison of Surgical Measures and Spontaneous Adaptation

TLDR: It appears that long-term value of therapy by reversed intestinal segments or other adjunctive surgical procedures for extensive small-bowel resections is not yet established.

Abstract: In a comparison of dogs with 75% and 80% intestinal resection with a reversed intestinal segment pouch, the reversed ileal segment and resection alone failed to reveal short-term difference in fecal fat excretion in the three groups on a controlled diet. In animals with long-term follow-up fat excretion studies, there was persistent steatorrhea with the reversed intestinal segment pouch and reversed ileal segments, compared to the controls. A better weight pattern, fat absorption, and survival was observed in the dogs with intestinal resection alone. In view of the relatively good recovery and nutritional status of dogs undergoing 75% and 80% intestinal resection coupled with the available experimental and clinical reports, it appears that long-term value of therapy by reversed intestinal segments or other adjunctive surgical procedures for extensive small-bowel resections is not yet established.