Colonic function in cirrhosis of liver & in healthy controls

Total and segmental colonic transit time (radio-opaque marker method), daily stool weight, stool water and stool frequency were estimated in 10 decompensated nonalcoholic male cirrhotics and 10 male controls. Total and left colonic transit times were significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in cirrhotics as compared to controls. Stool frequency was significantly higher in cirrhosis (P < 0.01) and showed a significantly negative correlation (r = 0.73, P < 0.02) with total colonic transit time. Stool wet weight and water content were significantly higher in cirrhosis (P < 0.01) as compared to controls. Colonic transit was accelerated in cirrhosis and may be an important hitherto unrecognised factor in the etiopathogenesis of diarrhoea observed in patients with cirrhosis.