[Late results after extensive resection of the small intestine]

In eight patients (two women and six men) aged from 31 to 80 years, extensive resection of the small intestine had been performed before many years. The most frequent causes of the operation were thrombosis and embolism of the superior mesenteric artery (three cases each). In all patients the small intestine was resected, at least partially, and in two patients also hemicolectomy with resection of Bauhin valve was performed. The most frequent complaint reported by the patients is periodical diarrhoea which becomes more intense particularly after fat consumption. Laboratory investigations and absorption tests were carried out in the patients at least one year after the operation. In all patients impaired absorption and hypoalbuminaemia were found. No significant correlation was found between the extent and time after the resection and the degree of intensity of the observed abnormalities.