Accessible closed loops of the small intestine and the colon

Summary

The attachment of the accessible closed intestinal loop in dogs to the abdominal wall where it is readily entered at any time by a hypodermic needle has given evidence of the direct relationship between distension of a hollow viscus and clinical symptoms. This procedure allows for aspiration of the fluid and consequent recovery of the animal with a chronically closed segment of intestine. This closed loop adds another device for the investigation of absorption of various substances by the small intestine. It has advantages over methods now in use. The dog’s colon permits the construction of a closed loop in its transverse portion.

We believe such an attached loop gives a better opportunity for studying colon function in the dog than previously has been available. It has been shown that colon loops absorb dextrose but less rapidly than do loops of the small intestine.