Effect of terminal ileal transposition on intestinal absorption following proctocolectomy

A terminal ileal transposition procedure, in which a distal jejunal segment is interposed between the terminal ileum and the anus following proctocolectomy, is described. Adult mongrel dogs had either terminal ileal transposition (n = 5) or ileoanal anastomosis (n = 6) following two-stage proctocolectomy. Untreated dogs were used as controls (n = 7). Twelve weeks after the second-stage operation, a perfusion study was performed. After terminal ileal transposition the transposed terminal ileum showed a high absorptive capability for sodium, chloride and bile acids (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively). After ileoanal anastomosis the absorptive capability of the terminal ileum was not enhanced significantly. In the mid-jejunum, the absorption of bile acids, chloride and glucose was enhanced (all P < 0.05) only after terminal ileal transposition. Terminal ileal transposition improves the absorptive capability of the terminal ileum and the mid-jejunum compared with conventional ileoanal anastomosis in this model.