A new neovalve type in short bowel syndrome surgery

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and analytical repercussion of a new type of intestinal valve -which can be used in both massive resections and right hemicolectomies requiring the elimination of the ileocecal valve- on two historical series of patients: one group with ileocolic resections and end-to-end anastomoses (EE), and one group with Ricotta valves. We compared 23 patients with ileocolic resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 15 with Ricotta's valve, and 20 patients with a new valve made with a small intestinal invagination. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics among patients. Patients with the new valve showed less relevant weight loss and fewer stools at 3 months and one year when compared to patients with Ricotta's valve, and particularly those with ileocolic resection. Moreover, with the new valve technique there was neither colonization of the ileal mucosa nor bacterial overgrowth. In conclusion, in massive intestinal resections and right hemicolectomies, including the ileocecal valve, the new valve technique would be of choice.