Massive resection of the small intestine after occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery.

Resection of all the small intestine but the proximal 8 in. of jejunum was performed in an elderly woman. Intestinal function tests revealed an extensive defect of absorption. The patient died nine months after the operation in a state of extreme emaciation. Necropsy revealed hypertrophy of the remnant of small intestine and intense fatty degeneration of the liver.