Antiperistaltic colonic interposition following massive small bowel resection in rats

The effects of interposing an antiperistaltic segment of colon between the jejunum and ileum after massive small bowel resection have been evaluated in rats. The intestinal transit time was prolonged, but fatal intestinal obstruction occurred in 2 of 12 rats. Albumin absorption was improved, but not triolein absorption, and the mean body weight 20 wk after resection was below that of rats subjected to massive resection alone. Morphological changes due to adaptation and intestinal obstruction were found after antiperistaltic colonic interposition. Antiperistaltic colonic interposition delays intestinal transit after massive small bowel resection in rats, but the effects are unpredictable, and may be detrimental.