POSTOPERATIVE ELECTROLYTE AND MINERAL BALANCE AFTER RESTORATIVE PROCTOCOLECTOMY WITH ILEOANAL RESERVOIR

Postoperative electrolyte and mineral balance was studied in nine pati ents with ulcerative colitis who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal reservoir (J-pouch), The study was carried out during t he first seven days of bowel function after construction of the reserv oir and temporary ileostomy, and again after the ileostomy was closed and bowel continuity re-established. Stool volume and intestinal sodiu m excretion were reduced by respectively 40 and 45% after ileostomy wa s closed (p<0.05), but potassium excretion was unchanged. The concentr ation of sodium was higher in ileostomy effluents, whereas me concentr ation of potassium was higher in stools after the ileostomy was closed (p<0.05). Significant changes in blood and urinary electrolytes or mi nerals were not recorded. It is concluded that a major reduction in st ool volume and intestinal excretion of sodium is already present in th e early postoperative period after bowel continuity has been re-establ ished.