When more than 100 cm (approximately 39 inches) of the
terminal ileum has been resected, the absorption of bile acids is greatly
impaired. The remaining ileum cannot compensate for the loss of the intestinal
absorptive surface area and a normal amount of bile acid cannot be maintained
in the body, resulting in an impaired absorption of fat and steatorrhea.
The excessive amount of fat in the colon further impairs electrolyte and
water absorption. The primary cause of diarrhea in this case is malabsorbed
fat.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
