Extensive resection of the small intestine

Two cases of extensive small bowel resection (approximately 88 per cent) are reported. These patients had severe diarrhea, excessive fat in the stools, weight loss and anemia and died of inanition approximately nine months after operation. A third case is reported in which the patient had severe digestive disturbance following removal of 5.5 feet of terminal ileum (approximately 25 per cent of the small bowel) and the right colon for mesenteric thrombosis. The effect of various drugs and diets determined by metabolic experiments are reported in two of the cases. Case 1 showed a diminution in stool volume and fat content with a high carbohydrate, low fat diet substantiating the idea that these patients do best with this type of diet. Folic acid and Tween-80 did not significantly alter the fat absorption in Case 111.