INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION AS A CAUSE OF BACTERIAL TRANSLOCATION

Abstract

In this study, we measured bacterial translocation in a rat model of simple intestinal obstruction. A total of 30 rats were studied. Ten rats served as unoperated controls, 10 rats underwent sham ligation, 10 rats had their intestines ligated 1 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. All rats were killed at 72 hours postoperatively. At death, the blood and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were cultured for translocating bacteria, segments of the terminal ileum were obtained for histologic study, and for determination of the intestinal population levels of bacteria. Bacteria had spread to the MLN in 9 and blood stream in 7 rats undergoing intestinal ligation (p<0.05). Bacterial translocation to the MLN occured only in 2 animals in sham ligation group, and 1 in control group (p>0.05). The population levels of enteric bacilli cultured increased 10³-10⁴ fold in the terminal ileum of the rats subjected to intestinal ligation coınparing to that noted in the control group though there was not any significant increase in the sham ligation group. Based on these results, we conclude that bacterial translocation was caused by the mucosal damage, and disruption of the normal gut microflora, leading to intestinal overgrowth.