[Late results following partial and total colectomy in infancy]

26 children were investigated on an average 11.5 years after partial (n = 13) and total (n = 13) colonic resection. Total colectomy was followed by an increased frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, flatulence, attacks of diarrhoea, frequent and pasty or liquid stools with strange smell. An increased salt or fluid intake was observed in one half of these patients. Their height and bone age was slightly but significantly reduced. Laboratory investigations revealed no significant deficiencies of electrolyts, vitamins or trace elements. However Renin (mean and 2s-range = 5.2; 2.7-6.8 ng/ml.h, normal values (NV) 1.3; 0.5-4.0 ng/ml.h, p less than 0.02), aldosterone (242.1; 168.4-357.8 pg/ml, NV 78.9; 39.4-168.4 pg/ml, *p less than 0.02), conjugated bile acids (11.3; 5.2-20.0 mumol/1, NV 4.2; 1.5-7.0 mumol/1, p less than 0.01) and serum urea concentration (32.5; 20.8-48.7 mg/dl, NV 14.6; 6.0-22.5 mg/dl, p less than 0.01) were significantly elevated. Three postprandial plasma levels of gastrin, VIP and neurotensin were within normal limits. In patients with partial large bowel resection all signs were less pronounced. According to our results a special diet in children years after colectomy seems not to be required.