Successful intraperitoneal nutrition in rabbits with short-bowel syndrome

The efficacy of intraperitoneal alimentation as a means of nutritional support for various degrees of short-bowel syndrome was studied, using the rabbit model. Twenty-eight rabbits were divided into 5 groups. Group I had a sham operation; Groups II, III and IV had 50 %, 75 % and 90 % small-bowel resections (SBR), respectively; Group V had a 90 % SBR with intraperitoneal nutrition. All the rabbits received a regular diet and tap water post-operatively. The rabbits in Group V received intraperitoneal alimentation (IPA) by way of a peritoneal catheter inserted at the time of surgery. The nutrition consisted of 10 % dextrose with 5.5 % amino acids. This provided 30 - 35 kcal/kg of additional energy per day. All the rabbits within Group IV (90 % resection without IP nutrition) died within 2 to 5 weeks. IP nutrition enabled body weight to be maintained and prevented the death of all rabbits with 90 % small-bowel resection.