[Intestinal mechanisms of compensation and morphologic and functional adaptation after resection of bypass]

The intestine's ability to adapt following extensive resection is well known, and includes augmentation in calibre and the thickness of the wall, increased villus height, changes in motility, and qualitative and quantitative alterations in the flora. Positive identification of the mechanisms through which this morphological and functional adaptation takes place still forms the subject of research. An account is given of the latest views concerning the way in which compensation of the intestine takes place after resection and by-pass surgery.