VITAMIN-B-12 AND FOLIC-ACID PLASMA-LEVELS AFTER ILEOCECAL AND ILEAL NEOBLADDER RECONSTRUCTION

Objectives. To compare the plasma levels of vitamin B-12 and folic aci d following resection of ileocecal or ileal segments used for orthotop ic bladder substitution, Methods, Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma l evels of vitamin B-12 and folic acid were measured in 34 patients with ileocecourethrostomy (ICUS) and in 16 patients with ileal reservoir ( IR), with a mean follow-up of 59.8 +/- 41.9 months, The results were c ompared with regard to both the type of operation and the length of ti me since surgery. Results. The level of folic acid was normal in all p atients. The mean level of vitamin B-12 in the ICUS group was 413.67 /- 160.45 ng/mL compared to 257.63 +/- 121.36 for the IR group, This d ifference was statistically significant. In the IR group, 18.75% of th e patients had a level of vitamin B-12 below normal. Conclusions, Ther e is a tendency for vitamin B-12 levels to fall in patients in whom th e ileum is used. Resection of the ileocecal segment including the junc tion does not alter the level of vitamin B-12. (C) 1997, Elsevier Scie nce Inc. All rights reserved.