Adaptive changes in ileal mucosal nutrient transport following colectomy and endorectal ileal pull-through with ileal reservoir.

To study ileal mucosal function when used in an ileal reservoir or ileostomy, eight dogs underwent colectomy and endorectal ileal pull-through with creation of a lateral ileal reservoir. Ileal mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained at the initial operation, from the ileostomy and dormant ileal reservoir at the time of ileostomy closure, and from the reservoir 3 months later. Rates of uptake for four different substrates were determined by radioactive absorption techniques. Absorption of carbohydrates, amino acids, and bile acids was markedly decreased and of short-chain fatty acid mildly reduced in ileal reservoir mucosa compared with normal ileum, largely owing to a decrease in reservoir absorptive surface area from flattened villi. Reservoir uptake of the substrates evaluated within 3 months after operation was similar to that for normal colonic mucosa. Uptake of all measured substrates from ileostomy mucosa approximated that of normal ileum. The use of short ileal reservoirs and the avoidance of stasis may favor reduced bacterial growth and increased nutrient absorption.