The role of bile acids in determining ileal flow rates in normal subjects and following ileostomy.

The possibility that intraluminal bile acid concentrations contribute to fluid and electrolyte movement in the normal ileum, and that alterations following ileostomy aid ileostomy adaptation, has been investigated. A significant correlation between the concentration of chenodeoxycholic acid plus deoxycholic acid, and volume flow through the normal ileum and ileostomy effluent volume was found. However, the regression lines relating bile acid concentrations to volume flow in the two groups were clearly separated, indication that factors besides altered bile acid metabolism are predominant in ileostomy adaptation.