Successful Management of Massive Small-Bowel Resection Based on Assessment of Absorption Defects and Nutritional Needs

Abstract

MASSIVE resection of more than two thirds of the small intestine is a clinical catastrophe.^{1 , 2} Although earlier studies were concerned mostly with survival statistics³ more recent studies have emphasized an evaluation of the absorptive potential of the remaining gut as a guide to treatment.^{4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13} The present study reports the successful management, nutritional requirements and absorptive capacity in a seventeen-year-old boy who has to date survived for more than two years since massive resection of the small bowel. His remaining small intestine consists of duodenum, 13 cm. of proximal jejunum and 5 cm. of terminal ileum. The ileocecal valve and colon . . .