Does the use of the ileocecal region in reconstructive urology cause persistent diarrhea?

The ileocecal region (ICR) is used extensively in reconstructive urological surgery. To evaluate whether resection of the ICR may cause protracted diarrhea, 50 patients undergoing ileocecal resection were studied. Fifty patients undergoing left colectomy for cancer were used as controls. No significant change in bowel habits was noted in the control group. Among patients undergoing ICR resection 42% had transient loosening of stools 2 weeks after surgery which improved within 3 months. Twelve months after surgery only 6 patients with solid stools preoperatively had loose stools, and none suffered diarrhea. In conclusion, in the patients studied after resection of the ICR diarrhea gradually resolved. More work is necessary to study other potential metabolic consequences of such resection.