Construction of an ileocecal valve and its role in massive resection of the small intestine

A method of constructing a nonrefluxing valve to use as a substitute for the ileocecal valve in patients with massive resection of the small intestine has been described. We believe that this represents a safe and simple alternative to other valve mechanisms previously reported in the literature. Results using this valve in one patient and also in the laboratory are presented and discussed. The use of this valve significantly decreased mortality in laboratory dogs following massive resection of the small intestine and is associated with a decrease in weight loss and bacterial overgrowth when compared with the dogs in the group without the valve. It also results in an increase in intestinal transit time. While the final mechanism of the action of the valve is unclear, prevention of stasis of the small intestine and of regurgitation of the colonic contents seems to be of major importance.