Correction of Steatorrhea in Bile Fistula Dogs by Frequent Return of Bile.

Abstract

Fresh bile from external bile fistula dogs was returned through a duodenal fistula at various time intervals. Dogs were fed a mixed diet containing 36 g. of fat once daily, and fecal fat excretion was detd. over 5-day periods. When all bile was returned every 8 hrs., fat absorption increased from a control value of 37% of ingested fat to 68%. Return every 4 hrs. and every hr. increased absorption to 74% and 92%, respectively. Since the quantity of cholic acid returned daily in the last 2 cases was the same, it is concluded that normal fat absorption requires the continuous presence of bile in the intestine.