Homograft of the small intestine. Metabolic and functional changes causing irreversible shock.

Homotransplantation of the small intestine is subject to high mortality in the first 48 hours after operation. We analyzed various causes of death, underlining the importance of postoperative shock, then developed an experiment in dogs with the object of improving the survival. We applied various therapeutic measures in order to reduce the factors which participate in the evolution of chronic, hypovolemic and toxic shock. We attempted to: (1) reduce the consecutive alterations to ischemia of the homotransplant during the non-perfusion period; (2) reduce the deleterious effect of retained fecal matter; (3) reduce the metabolic acidosis secondary to clamping of the great vessels; (4) acknowledge, analyze and correct alterations in fluid and electrolyte balances; (5) correct the blood volume; and (6) prevent infection. With these measures we have increased the survival rate.