Metabolic considerations in reconstitution of the small intestine after jejunoileal bypass.

Intestinal bypass is a reversible procedure which has been used with success in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Nine patients with intestinal bypass were forced to undergo reconstitution of the gastrointestinal tract due to severe symptoms of short gut syndrome. Meticulous attention to detail must be exercised in the preoperative preparation of this type of patient. Parenteral hyperalimentation may be necessary to return the patient to adequate nutrition. No attempt at revision should be made until the patient is nutritionally and metabolically reconstituted.