Our Summary

This study examined how the removal of a large portion of the intestines affects the body’s ability to produce an important substance called arginine. Researchers used piglets for this study and either performed a sham surgery (where they pretended to operate but didn’t actually remove any intestines) or a real surgery where they removed 75% of the intestines. They then fed the piglets either 20% or 40% of their recommended daily food intake and monitored their arginine levels.

By day 7, the piglets who had the sham surgery had longer intestines compared to those who had the real surgery. Interestingly, despite losing a large portion of their intestines, the real surgery piglets were still able to produce similar levels of arginine as the sham surgery piglets. In fact, when taking into account the size of the remaining intestines, the real surgery piglets were actually producing more arginine.

This suggests that the body is able to adapt and continue producing important substances even after significant intestinal loss. This is particularly significant for newborn babies who are at risk of having short bowel syndrome (a condition where the intestines are too short), as it suggests that their bodies may be able to compensate for the lack of intestines.

In essence, this study provides new insights into how the body can adjust its nutrient production processes in response to major changes, such as the loss of a significant portion of the intestines.

FAQs

  1. What substance was the focus of this study on intestinal resection and why?
  2. How does the body adapt to the removal of a significant portion of the intestines?
  3. What does this study suggest about newborns at risk of short bowel syndrome?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing intestinal resection to focus on maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients, especially protein and arginine, to support the body’s ability to produce important substances and aid in recovery. It’s also important to follow any dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team and to stay hydrated to support digestion and overall health. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring of nutrient levels may be necessary to ensure optimal recovery and well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended intestinal resection include those with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, bowel obstructions, tumors, or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. These conditions may require the removal of a portion of the intestines to alleviate symptoms or prevent complications. Additionally, patients with short bowel syndrome, where the intestines are too short to properly absorb nutrients, may also benefit from intestinal resection to improve their quality of life and nutritional status.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms that may require surgery, such as severe abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or tumors in the intestines.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with healthcare providers.
  3. Surgery is scheduled, and patient may undergo bowel preparation to cleanse the intestines.
  4. Patient undergoes intestinal resection surgery, where a portion of the intestines is removed.
  5. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for complications, such as infection or bowel leakage.

After intestinal resection:

  1. Patient may experience pain and discomfort at the surgical site and may be given pain medication.
  2. Patient’s diet is gradually advanced from clear liquids to solid foods as the intestines heal.
  3. Patient may experience changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, as the body adjusts to the reduced intestinal length.
  4. Patient may be monitored for nutritional deficiencies, such as malabsorption of nutrients, and may require supplements or dietary modifications.
  5. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor healing progress and address any complications.
  6. Over time, the body adapts to the reduced intestinal length and is able to continue producing important substances, such as arginine, to support overall health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will the removal of a large portion of my intestines impact my ability to absorb nutrients?

  2. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or take supplements after the surgery?

  3. What are the potential long-term effects of intestinal resection on my overall health?

  4. How soon after the surgery will I be able to resume normal activities and return to work?

  5. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate complications from the surgery?

  6. Will I need to undergo any additional testing or follow-up appointments to monitor my health after the surgery?

  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should consider making to support my recovery and overall health post-surgery?

  8. How can I best support my body’s ability to adapt and continue producing important substances like arginine after the surgery?

  9. Are there any support groups or resources available for individuals who have undergone intestinal resection surgery?

  10. What are the chances of developing short bowel syndrome after the surgery, and how can it be managed if it occurs?

Reference

Authors: Lansing M, Slim G, Wizzard P, Rafii M, Pencharz PB, Nation PN, Beggs MR, Alexander RT, Wales PW, Turner JM, Ball RO. Journal: Pediatr Res. 2021 May;89(6):1420-1426. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-01139-1. Epub 2020 Sep 13. PMID: 32920606