Following loss of functional small bowel surface area due to surgical resection for therapy of
Crohn's disease, ischemia, trauma or other disorders, the remnant gut undergoes a
morphometric and functional compensatory adaptive response which has been best
characterized in preclinical models. Increased crypt cell proliferation results in increased
villus height, crypt depth and villus hyperplasia, accompanied by increased nutrient, fluid
and electrolyte absorption. Clinical observations suggest that functional adaptation occurs in …