What is the normal small bowel length in humans? First donor-based cohort analysis

G. Gondolesi, D. Ramisch, J. Padin, H. Almau, M. Sandi, P. B. Schelotto, A. Fernandez, C. Rumbo, H. Solar

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31 Scopus citations

Abstract

Normal small bowel length (SBL) has been reported within a wide range, but never studied in a cohort of either pediatric or adult deceased donors. Between 5/2006 and 2/2011, SBL was measured in all grafts procured for intestinal transplantation at a single center and used for either isolated intestinal transplant (15) or multiorgan transplants (5) employing a standardized method. SBL was the only not significantly different variable among pediatric and adult donors divided by age 16. Furthermore, donors were classified in 3 groups: group 1: Height < 70 cm, group 2:71-150 cm and group 3: ≥ 151 cm. Mean age was: 0.58, 5.6, 22.01 years, respectively. Mean height and weight were 65.8, 123.2, 166.1 cm (p = 0.001) and 6.9, 23.8, 65.2 kg (p = 0.001), for each group. The SBL by group was: 283.0, 324.7, 356.0 cm, remaining as the only nonsignificant variable (p = 0.06), in contrast to BMI, BSA (p = 0.001). The SBL/height ratio: 4.24, 2.7, 2.12 (p = 0.001; rho: -0.623) or SBL/BSA ratio was 8.36, 3.7, and 2.03, respectively (p: 0.0001; rho: -0.9). SBL does not increase with growth like other anthropometric variables. The SBL/height ratio significantly decreases with growth; however, bowel diameter increases, which needs further evaluation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S49-S54
JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation
Volume12
Issue numberSUPPL 4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Intestinal failure
  • Intestinal transplantation
  • Intestine
  • Rehabilitation
  • Small bowel length

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