COLONIC FUNCTION IN CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER AND IN HEALTHY CONTROLS

Total and segmental colonic transit time (radio-opaque marker method), daily stool weight, stool water and stool frequency were estimated in 10 decompensated nonalcoholic male cirrhotics and 10 male controls. T otal and left colonic transit times were significantly shorter (P < 0. 05) in cirrhotics as compared to controls. Stool frequency was signifi cantly higher in cirrhosis (P < 0.01) and showed a significantly negat ive correlation (r = -0.73, P < 0.02) with total colonic transit time. Stool wet weight and water content were significantly higher in cirrh osis (P < 0.01) as compared to controls. Colonic transit was accelerat ed in cirrhosis and may be an important hitherto unrecognised factor i n the etiopathogenesis of diarrhoea observed in patients with cirrhosi s.