ABSORPTION STUDIES IN PATIENTS 6 TO 10 YEARS AFTER CONSTRUCTION OF ILEOSTOMY RESERVOIRS

The absorption of fat, bile salts, and vitamin B12 was studied in 14 proctocolectomied patients 6 to 10 years after construction of a continent ileostomy. All patients were in excellent health and displayed no signs of malnutrition. Schilling test disclosed subnormal absorption of vitamin B12 in one patient and borderline values in five. Fecal loss of bile acid was increased in 12 patients and fat malabsorption occurred in two. Except for slightly pathological liver tests in two patients, routine laboratory tests, including plasma concentration of vitamin B12 and folic acid, were normal. There were no signs of sodium or potassium depletion.