Effect of total colectomy and mucosal proctectomy on intestinal absorptive capacity in dogs

Changes in intestinal absorptive capacity for water and electrolytes were investigated in dogs after total colectomy and mucosal proctectomy reconstructed with interposing jejunum into the anorectal area. Rate of absorption of water and sodium from the ileum increased significantly at 29 weeks postoperatively. The absorption of water, sodium, and chloride in the jejunum was significantly higher than in the neorectum. The net secretion rate of potassium increased significantly in the ileum and neorectum. The authors suggest that intestinal adaptation achieved after proctocolectomy is enhanced in the jejunum and ileum rather than in the neorectum.