Method and complications of ileocutaneous anastomosis for collection of ileal digesta in neonatal pigs

The purpose of our study was to develop a surgical method for collection of ileal digesta in neonatal (< 5 kg) pig and to determine potential complica tions of the procedure. In 18 10-day-old pigs, we performed ileocutaneous a nastomosis (ICA) via a right ventrolateral incision, The ICA was readily pe rformed in these neonatal pig; one pig died 24 hams after surgery because o f intestinal volvulus. Pigs were monitored twice daily for development of p ast-operative complications. Ileal digesta were collected ''free-catch" by using metabolism cages because attempts to use cannulas (diameter, 4 to 8 m m) and collection bag failed. To determine the effect of colon bypass on hy dration, electrolytes, glucose, and serum enzyme activities, we collected s erum biochemistry data before and 6 days after surgery. Changes in serum bi ochemical values included increased potassium, creatinine, total protein, a lbumin, and globulin and decreased ALP and glucose, but all values remained within normal ranges for neonatal pig. ICA is tolerated well by neonatal p igs and is an easily learned and rapid technique for collection of ileal di gesta, In addition, ICA is a useful alternative to "T-cannulas" and ileorec tal anastomosis for nutrition research using neonatal pigs weighing < 5 kg.