Continent ileostomy. A pilot study in dogs.

Nipple valve ileostomies with and without a performed pouch as well as conventional ileostomies were compared in dogs. In both groups with a nipple valve, a 150-200 ml reservoir developed. It was about 30 cm long when not preformed by an operation. Equal dilatation of the proximal bowel was observed in both groups with a nipple valve and both these groups had a substantial loss of weight which seemed to correspond with mucosal changes indicating malabsorption. For continent ileostomy function in dogs, the performed pouch thus seems unnecessary.