Abstract

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate luminal bacterial colonization and assess the most likely substance (endogenous endotoxin) responsible for the pathophysiologic alterations in small bowel obstruction. Ten Wistar Albino rats with small bowel obstruction, 10 sham-operated and 10 control animals were investigated for 72 hours. Qualitative and quantitative bacterial changes in the bowel lumen were evaluated at sacrifice. Endotoxine levels were determined in portal and central venous blood by using LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) test. In the rats with small bowel obstruction, 10³-10⁴ fold increased microflora with a predominance of E.Coli bacteria was observed in the terminal ileum (p<0.05). in each of the 10 rats an endotoxin release into the both portal and central venous circulation could be detected in the legation group (p<0.05), whereas a detectable endotoxin level was measured only in portal blood of 1 animal in sham legation, and 1 in control group (p>0.05).