Intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome

C.F.M. Welters, C.H.C. Dejong, N.E.P. Deutz, E. Heineman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Intestinal adaptation in short bowel syndrome.

Welters CF, Dejong CH, Deutz NE, Heineman E.

Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital and University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Regaining enteral autonomy after extensive small bowel resection is dependent on intestinal adaptation. This adaptational process is characterized by hyperplastic growth of the remaining gut, which is accompanied by both an increase of cell division at the level of the crypt cells and by an increased rate of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apart from the absorptive function, the small bowel also has a barrier function and plays an important role in interorgan metabolism. Also, these functions are greatly affected by a massive intestinal resection and subsequent recovery by intestinal adaptation. This review aims to give an overview of the debilitating effects of massive intestinal resection on gut function and subsequently discusses intestinal adaptation and possible factors stimulating adaptation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)229-236
Number of pages8
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
Volume72
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2002

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