Absorptive function of the aganglionic ileum.

In children with colonic and iliac aganglionosis, the aganglionic intestine is usually either removed or bypassed. Since fluid absorption occurs predominantly in the terminal ileum, malabsorption often occurs unless the intestinal transit time is reduced. The Martin-Duhamel operation, reducing transit and thereby increasing the time of exposure of intestinal content to the lowest part of the ganglionic intestine, has been used successfully in most children with colonic and short ileal aganglionosis. With longer segments the slowdown of intestinal transit may be inadequate and the aganglionic ileum can then be used. The aganglionic ileum maintains its absorptive capacity if the obstructive element is removed using an aganglionic-ganglionic iliac anastomosis similar to the Martin-Duhamel technique.