Intestinal Absorption and Nitrogen Balance Following Portacaval Shunt

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Abstract
Absorption of fat and protein in the normal dog was not altered by end-toside portacaval shunt Consequently, it is concluded that faulty absorption of these dietary constituents makes no contribution to the weight loss observed in the Eck fistula animal. From pair-feeding and N balance studies in rats with portacaval shunts, it was demonstrated that the difference in body weight between such animals and normal sham operated controls is not related to divergent food consumption or N retention. The defect in fat and protein absorption noted in cirrhotic humans was, aside from a slight reduction in fecal fat, neither improved nor impaired by portacaval shunts. These findings would minimize the effects of portal hypertensions and splanchnic congestion on their absorption.