Compensatory Hypertrophy of the Ileum

To the Editor.—In the March issue of the Archives, Dr Tilson et al are the authors of an article entitled "Compensatory Hypertrophy of the Ileum After Gastroduodenojejunal Exclusion" (Arch Surg 110:309, 1975). This is a study of the compensatory hypertrophy of the gut by examination of the ileum after bypass of pancreatobiliary secretions to the colon. Hypertrophy of the ileum occurred after esophagoileostomy and gastroduodenojejunal exclusion. A hypothesis seeking to reconcile the conflicting notions of intraluminal and hormonal stimuli was discussed by the authors.

In the discussion of the methods, there is a description of the experimental preparation. Animals were studied two weeks postoperatively. Absolutely no mention was made as to the nutritional support of the experimental animals. What kind of food was allowed? How much food was taken? Gut adaptation to luminal and hormonal factors depend, at least to some extent, on nutrient input. It was suprising to