Intestinal absorption of d-xylose in the early post-operative period

To assess intestinal absorption in the early post-operative period, portal and subclavian vein catheters were implanted into 8 pigs. For direct d-xylose infusion into the upper small intestine a feeding tube was inserted via a gastrostomy. Four control animals (Group 1) underwent an open and close laparotomy after catheter and tube implantation. Four pigs (Group 2) underwent a standardised ileocoecostomy. At 6, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after surgery, d-xylose was infused into the small intestine in both groups of animals. After single-dose administration the absorption kinetics were measured in the pre- and post-hepatic blood compartment. With increasing time after operation the rate and extent of d-xylose absorption returned towards normal but there were significant differences in the d-xylose kinetics between the two groups. The absorption kinetics and d-xylose uptake recovered more rapidly in the control group than in those who underwent ileocoecostomy. Effective enteral feeding in controls after 36 h was achieved, but in Group 2 was delayed until 48 h post-operatively. Absorption capacity returned to normal after 48 h in controls and after 72 h in Group 2.