Failure of antiperistaltic colon interposition to ameliorate short-bowel syndrome

The value of an interposed antiperistaltic colon segment in the management of short-bowel syndrome was assessed in four adult dogs. Following 90 per cent small-bowel resection, and an interposition of 20-cm length of antiperistaltic colon segment, several parameters of small-bowel function were measured. These included regular serum chemistries, including serum glucose, electrolytes, total protein, and the usual liver function studies. Between the test group of four dogs and a control group of three dogs, there was no difference in xylose absorption curves, 24-hour fat excretion, bowel transit time, and average weight loss. On the basis of these findings, colon reversal would not appear to be of benefit in the surgical management of short bowel syndrome.