Interposition of 'narrow' cycloperistaltic segments into isolated segments of jejunum--influence on fluid perfusion.

Two isolated segments of jejunum with the ends exteriorised as jejunostomies were created in each of 8 dogs. Towards the end of one of the two, a cycloperistaltic (C-P) segment, with a diameter 70% of that of the jejunum, was interposed. Fluid containing C-labelled polyethylene glycole [corrected] was infused at 4 ml/min through each of the 16 preparations and the results were compared. The presence of a C-P segment significantly reduced the volume of output (with C-P segment--mean (+/- standard deviation) 155.27 +/- 14.81 ml/h v. without C-P segment--210.09 +/- 19.41 ml/h) (P < 0.001) and increased absorption (with C-P--45.44 +/- 20.86 ml/h v. without C-P--20.48 +/- 8.42 ml/h) (P < 0.001) and pooling (with C-P--39.29 +/- 16.99 ml/h v. without C-P--9.42 +/- 17.16 ml/h) (P < 0.001). The C-P segment therefore delayed the passage of the perfused fluid.