A rare cause of glans penis masses in childhood: Fibroepithelial polyp.

Fibroepithelial polyps of glans penis are very rarely seen in childhood. A 6-month-old male admitted to our institution with a slowly enlarging glans penis mass on the ventral side of the glans penis. The mass was totally excised, and hystopathological diagnosis was a fibroepithelial polyp. All of the reported cases published previously, except one, are of adult age and all of them have been associated with the history of long-term condom catheter use. The presence of the case in childhood; however, suggests that the pathology might be congenital. This is the second pediatric case presented in the English literature.

Could increased expression of aquaporin-1 be an etiological cause in childhood noncommunicating hydroceles that do not regress spontaneously?

BACKGROUND: Aquaporins are membrane water channel proteins that are expressed in the epithelium and endothelium. Their primary function is to control the flow of water in the membranes of the cells. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated whether there is increased expression of aquaporin-1 in the tunica vaginalis of hydrocele patients in childhood that do not regress spontaneously an whether it has an effect on the etiology of hydrocele. STUDY DESIGN: Boys who were diagnosed with hydrocele and scheduled for surgery were included and formed the hydrocele group. Boys in the same age range who underwent surgery for inguinal hernia or undescended testicles were included as a control group. Aquaporin-1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical examination of capillaries in tissue samples taken from the tunica vaginalis during the operation. Aquaporin-1-positive vessels were counted by selecting 5 unrelated areas with the highest vascular density, and the average number of vessels was calculated for each case. RESULTS: A total of 48 male patients were included in the study. Of these, 27 constituted the hydrocele group (mean age 3.51 ± 2.59 years), and 21 constituted the control group (inguinal hernia, n = 17; undescended testicle, n = 4) (mean age 3.95 ± 3.80 years). The mean ages of both groups were statistically similar (p = 0.32). The mean numbers of aquaporin-1-positive vessels at the capillaries in the tunica vaginalis of the patients were 20.74 ± 7.10 in hydrocele group and 17.23 ± 4.07 in the control group. The expression of aquaporin-1 in the hydrocele group was significantly higher (p = 0.037). DISCUSSION: It was shown that aquaporin-1 expression was higher in adult cases with hydrocele. Also an increase in aquaporin-1 expression was detected in tunica vaginalis of children with hydrocele in our study. CONCLUSION: It was thought that aquaporin-1 overexpression may play a role in non-communicating hydroceles in children.

Tubularized Reconstructed Plate Urethroplasty: An Alternative Technique for Distal Hypospadias Repair.

OBJECTIVE: To report current results of a new surgical technique, tubularized reconstructed plate urethroplasty (TRPU) in distal hypospadias repair which allows the tubularization of urethral plate without incision or grafting. METHODS: This study is a prospective single surgeon series. Between January 2019 and March 2020, total of 158 patients underwent hypospadias repair, and 29 selected patients had TRPU procedure. Demographic data, duration of follow-up, complications were recorded. A vertical incision is made starting from halfway up the glans. This incision creates a diamond like defect which enables wedge removal of a segment of spongiosum tissue from the base of urethral plate extending to the hypospadiac meatus. Vertical incision is closed horizontally. The urethral plate is stretched and loosened from the base and re-secured into its bed using quilting stitches. Reconstructed urethral plate ensures the required width to allow the formation of neourethra of adequate circumference, followed by a formal glansplasty. RESULTS: Preoperative glans width was 13.4 ± 0.9 mm, urethral plate width was 6.1 ± 0.9 mm. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 13.6 months. All patients had successful functional outcome and cosmetically satisfying appearance. None of the patients required meatal calibration. The total complication rate was 3.4%. CONCLUSION: Native urethral plate itself is used as a natural flap to increase the surface area of the urethral plate in this new perspective of urethroplasty method. We believe that TRPU procedure provides an alternative approach for the formation of neourethra and it is a successful and relatively simple procedure with low complication rates, good cosmetic results and promising successful functional short-term outcome.

Antibiotic treatment is superior to ursodeoxycholic acid on total parenteral nutrition associated hepatic dysfunction.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the apoptotic mechanisms, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of effect of antibiotics and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-associated liver injury. METHODS: Four groups of young rabbits were used in the study as follows: Group 1 (n: 7): TPN + Metronidazole (30 mg/kg IV) + Gentamicin (6 mg/kg IV); Group 2 (n: 7): TPN + UDCA (15 mg/kg per oral); Group 3 (n: 6): TPN only; and Group 4 (n: 7): Control group. After 10 days, the animals were killed and livers were removed. Hepatic apoptosis, apoptotic proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were studied in liver, and direct bilirubin values were assessed in the blood samples. RESULTS: Direct bilirubin increased with TPN, and antibiotic combination, as the most effective group, significantly lowered its levels (p < 0.01). MDA values also showed significant differences in comparisons between G1 and G3 (p < 0.05) and G1-G4 (p < 0.01). An increased number of apoptotic cells was detected particularly in G2 and G3, whereas the lowest levels, other than in the control group, were found in G1. All TUNEL-positive cell number data were statistically significant except between G2 and G3(p < 0.05). Caspase-3 and Bax immunoreactivities were greatest in G2. Significant differences were shown in caspase-3 immunoreactivity between the groups (p < 0.01), except between G1 and G3 (p > 0.05). All comparisons between the groups were significant for Bax (p < 0.01). In contrast, Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was moderate and highest in G1: comparisons between G1 and the other groups demonstrated statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). Fas-L immunoreactivity was greatest in G2, and all comparisons between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Metronidazole and gentamicin combination is effective on TPN-induced liver injury by the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic pathway, total anti-apoptotic effect and by decreasing bilirubin levels. Oxidative injury in the liver increased with therapy. UDCA seems less effective on TPN-associated liver injury.

The Effect of Tunica Albuginea Incision on Testicular Tissue After Detorsion in the Experimental Model of Testicular Torsion.

PURPOSE: Testis torsion is a surgical emergency, and sometimes we cannot sufficiently prevent injury even surgical detorsion of the testis is performed in the appropriate time period due to some reasons such as tissue edema. In this experimental study, we investigated the effect of tunica albuginea incision (TAI) on testicular torsion-detorsion model (TDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four male rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups. In Group I, testicular torsion (TT) of 720° was created. After 4 hours of torsion period, the testis was detorsioned. Then three longitudinal incisions were made on tunica albuginea of the testis. In Group II, torsion and detorsion was created by the same way as in Group I, but TAI was not added to the procedure. Group III was Sham group. At the end of the first week, rats in the experimental groups were sacrificed and the testes were harvested for histological, immunohistological examinations and for the assessment of apoptotic activity. RESULTS: In Group I, the procedures led to partial improvement in color of the testes. Modified Johnsen Scores in Groups I, II and III were detected as 7.8, 4.3 and 9.6 respectively (P = .001). In Group I, immunoreactivity of anti-APAF-1 was moderate in 7 rats, and strong in 1 rat. Immunoreactivity of anti-cytochrome C and anti-caspase3 were moderate in 6 rats, and strong in 2 rats. Immunoreactivity of anti-caspase 8 and 9 were moderate in 5 rats, and strong in 3 rats. The differences of immunoreactivity between the groups were statistically significant. TUNEL percentages were detected as 40, 62% in Group I, 60% in Group II and 11,75% in Group III respectively (P = .001). CONCLUSION: As a result, multiple incisions made on tunica albuginea after detorsion in the TDM in rats, decrease the amount of ischemia- reperfusion injury. This effect might be related with the decrease in testicular edema and free oxygen radicals together with increase in tissue perfusion. Moreover, the decreased apoptotic activity seems to play a role in the decrease in inflammatory response and preservation of tissue parenchyma consequently.

Central Precocious Puberty Secondary to Adrenocortical Adenoma in a Female Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric adrenocortical tumors are rare but significant causes of virilization and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). CASE: A 4-year-old girl presented with development of breast, pubic hair, and facial acne. Her bone age was advanced, and her gonadotropin level did not elevate in a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test. High levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, and testosterone, and detection of a tumor in the left adrenal gland of the abdomen using computed tomography led to a diagnosis of PPP due to adrenal tumor. Adrenal adenoma was diagnosed with pathology after the tumor was removed. Ultrasonography detected multicystic ovaries before surgery. Although the androgen levels decreased, high estrogen levels persisted after complete tumor resection. Approximately 1 year after the surgery, the patient's breast development persisted, bone age progressed rapidly, and gonadotropin levels increased in a GnRH test. Central precocious puberty was diagnosed, and treatment with GnRH analogues was started. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Adrenal adenoma might present with isosexual PPP as well as virilization in girls. The ovaries should be carefully assessed in these patients. Prolonged exposure to androgen and estrogen might cause ovarian multicysts leading to persistence of high estrogen levels and initiation of central precocious puberty.

Schwannoma Localized Retroperitoneally in a 14-Year-Old Boy.

Schwannomas usually occur in adults being between the second and fifth decades, and such neoplasms are extremely rare in a pediatric population. In addition, they are not normally found in the retroperitoneal region. Here, we present a pediatric case of a retroperitoneal schwannoma in an adrenal location where the tumor was not able to be preoperatively differentiated from other benign or malign adrenal gland tumors. In our opinion, this tumor can be included in the differential diagnosis of a nonfunctioning retroperitoneal adrenal mass in children.

Sonic hedgehog, TBX18, and TSHZ3 proteins involved in pyeloureteral motility development are overexpressed in ureteropelvic junction obstruction. An immunohistochemical, histopathological, and clinical comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pathological samples obtained from cases that underwent surgery for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction with samples obtained during autopsies of subjects.  METHODS: Retrospectively, 42 patients who had undergone surgery due to UPJ obstruction (group 1) were included in the study. Histopathological and immunohistochemical features for sonic hedgehog (SHH), TBX18, and TSHZ3 of UPJ were evaluated and findings were compared with 20 autopsy cases (group 2).  RESULTS: In group 1, the scores were statistically significantly higher in terms of cytoplasmic SHH, nuclear TBX18, cytoplasmic and nuclear TSHZ3 staining. Statistically, no correlation was found between age and the staining scores belonging to these 3 antibodies in group 1 and group 2. Intense inflammation was found to be related with nuclear staining for TBX18.  CONCLUSION: Gene product expressions of SHH, TBX18 and TSHZ3 are statistically higher in patients with UPJ obstruction, when compared with control group. The explanation may be the reactivation of the processes, which had shown their effects in the embryological period, due to the chronic inflammation and long-term micro-trauma created by the disease.

The Radiologic Evaluation of Pediatric Acute Abdomen; Results of Tertiary Referral Center.

Purpose: In this study we aimed to evaluate the radiological examinations of the pediatric patients who were operated with initial diagnosis of acute abdomen. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and imaging findings of 252 children. All patients were evaluated by plain abdominal radiographs (PAX) and ultrasonography (US). Only 10 patients were examined using computed tomography (CT). The findings of the PAX, US and CT of each patient were determined from their detailed archive records according to their clinical diagnosis. Results: The most frequent pathology was appendicitis in our study whereas the other pathologies were invagination, ovarian torsion, the complications of Meckel's diverticulum, gastrointestinal obstruction and tuboovarian abscess in decreasing frequency. PAXs were valuable in diagnosis of the patients with ileus. It has been showed that US was the most useful for patients with appendicitis and invagination. CT was performed only in 4% of our cases as an advanced diagnostic method. Conclusion: The pediatric patients with acute abdomen have been evaluated radiologically by PAX and US routinely and frequently. CT was performed as an advanced diagnostic method very rarely. CT would be utilized to a lower extent as a more advanced method of imaging in unsolved patient group, as US and PAX solve the pediatric acute abdominal pathologies in high percentages.

The biochemical and histopathological effects of ursodeoxycholic acid and metronidazole on total parenteral nutrition-associated hepatic dysfunction: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Total parenteral nutrition causes many complications such as cholestasis. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used for the treatment of several cholestatic problems. Metronidazole was investigated before for preventing some components of total parenteral nutrition-associated hepatic dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid alone and ursodeoxycholic acid + metronidazole combination on total parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen rabbits were divided into three groups as follows: group A received a standard formula of total parenteral nutrition only, group B received total parenteral nutrition + ursodeoxycholic acid (3 mg/kg/day), and group C were given total parenteral nutrition + ursodeoxycholic acid + metronidazole (25 mg/kg/day) for eight days, respectively. Several parameters of liver function tests were compared among these groups. These were transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum bile acids. Liver histology was detected in each group at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: In group A, total parenteral nutrition administration resulted in remarkably higher serum values of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, triglycerides, and free bile acids whereas ursodeoxycholic acid administration showed important improvements in the serum values of these parameters in group B animals. The metronidazole group showed nearer or similar laboratory values with group B, but significant differences appeared in bilirubin values (P < 0.05) among these groups. Liver histology presented marked differences between group A and group B. Steatosis formed the main component of liver histology in 4 animals out of 6 in group A. Contrary to this, all of the specimens showed normal liver structure except one in group B. In the third group we did not see better morphology than in group B. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that oral ursodeoxycholic acid therapy during total parenteral nutrition reduces bilirubin levels and improves the other indicators of cholestasis and helps prevent disturbances of liver histology. When it is combined with metronidazole a significant decrease in bilirubin levels has been gained. With the help of ursodeoxycholic acid we can provide enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and regulate lipid metabolism. Metronidazole can be an antibiotic of choice during total parenteral nutrition when needed.

Ceacal perforation in a premature newborn infant complicating milk curd syndrome: case report.

A 34-weeks-old female baby having a closed ceacal perforation due to milk curd syndrome is reported. The obstructing milk curd was located in the transvers colon and the perforation was in the ceacum. Primary repair of the ceacal perforation, aspiration of the material from an enterotomy and a protective ileostomy were performed. The patient died in the second postoperative day as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest and septic shock.

Pediatric ureteroceles: diagnosis, management and treatment options.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical characteristics of ureteroceles particularly for diagnostic and treatment challenges. METHODS: Data about patients treated for ureterocele in the two hospital clinics during 1996- 2009 are retrospectively evaluated. FINDINGS: There were 12 girls and 7 boys. Symptomatic urinary tract infection was found in twelve cases. Ureterocele was associated with duplex systems in eleven cases. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 4 patients. Bladder diverticulum complicated with ureterocele in 1 patient. Ultrasonography diagnosed ureterocele in 12 patients. Renal scarring was detected in 6 patients at the side of ureterocele. Fifteen patients showed varying degrees of hydro-ureteronephrosis. Surgical therapy included upper pole nephrectomy in 3 cases. Bladder level reconstruction was performed in 11 cases. Five patients were treated only by endoscopic incision. In the follow up period 4 patients showed long term urinary tract infections whereas 3 of them were treated endoscopically. Postoperative reflux was still present in two patients who were treated by endoscopic incision. CONCLUSION: Ureterocele diagnosis and treatment show challenges. Urinary tract infection is important marker for urinary system evaluation. Preoperative management generally depends on a combination of diagnostic methods. Endoscopic incision needs serious follow up for postoperative problems.

Early renal parenchymal histological changes in an experimental model of vesico-ureteral reflux and the role of apoptosis.

OBJECTIVES: To observe early renal parenchymal cellular changes in an experimental model of vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) and to show whether the apoptotic pathway plays a role in these cellular changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand breed rabbits were used and were divided into two equal groups (control and experimental groups). Urine samples were obtained in a sterile manner and cultured. In the study group, reflux was created in the right kidneys surgically. Renal scintigraphy and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) were performed in both groups on Day 17. The kidneys were examined in terms of histology, apoptotic activity and caspase activity. RESULTS: No growth was observed in urine cultures in either group. VUR was manifested in only two rabbits in the experimental group on VCUG. On renal scintigraphy, no renal scarring was observed in either of the groups and renal uptake values were in the normal range. There was a greater increase in collagen in the right kidneys in the experimental group than in the control group and apoptotic activity was significantly increased in the study group: 0% in the control group, 10.8%+/-0.7% in the experimental group (p<0.001). Caspase-6 activity was strongly positive and caspase-8 and -9 activities were moderately positive in the right kidneys of the experimental group. Caspase-6 activity was moderately positive, and caspase-8 and -9 activities were weakly positive in the contralateral kidneys of the experimental group. Caspase activities in the control group were negative (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model of VUR, apoptotic activity was initiated via the caspase-8 and -9 pathway and collagen tissue increased in the renal parenchyma where reflux occurred. The balance of apoptotic activity may play a key role in the occurrence of reflux nephropathy.

Long-term effect of pentoxifylline and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on testicular function in spermatic artery ligation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term testicular function in pentoxifylline- and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-treated rats prior to spermatic artery ligation by assessing serum inhibin B concentration, a reliable endocrine marker of spermatogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty prepubertal rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Right orchiectomy was performed in all rats. Intraperitoneal pentoxifylline and L-NAME were administered to Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Rats in Group 3 did not receive any medication. The spermatic arteries of the left testes were ligated in all groups with the exception of the sham controls (Group 4). One month postoperatively, a histopathologic evaluation was performed and serum inhibin B concentrations were assessed in all groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in testis size or serum inhibin B concentration between Groups 1, 2 and 3. However, the testes were significantly smaller (p(1)=0.01, p(2)=0.01, p(3)=0.01) and serum inhibin B levels were significantly decreased (p(1)=0.01, p(2)=0.01, p(3)=0.01) when Groups 1-3 were compared with Group 4. Histopathological evaluations revealed necrosis and calcification in all specimens with the exception of the sham-operated group. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of spermatic artery ligation were poor and testicular atrophy developed in rat testes in all study groups. Testicular atrophy could not be reversed by preoperative administration of pentoxifylline and L-NAME.

Symptomatic annular pancreas in newborns.

BACKGROUND: The pancreas exhibits various types of anomalies, including aplasia, dysplasia, pancreatic cysts, duplication, and ectopia, of which the most common is annular pancreas. This study describes the characteristic features of 7 cases of annular pancreas diagnosed during exploration. MATERIAL/METHODS: Seven newborns undergoing surgery for annular pancreas from 1990 to 1998 were analyzed. The cases were evaluated according to birth weight, sex, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, associated anomalies, and surgical treatment modalities. RESULTS: The mean birth weight of the patients was 2385 +/- 1002 g, the mean gestational age was 37.5 +/- 3.1 weeks. Four patients (42.8%) had associated anomalies, including intestinal malrotation (42.8%), intrinsic duodenal obstruction (28.5%), trisomy 21 karyotype (14.2%), cardiac malformation (14.2%), and Meckel's diverticulum (14.2%). Surgical treatment included duodenoduodenostomy (DD) in four patients and DD plus tapering enteroplasty (TE) plus placement of transanastomotic jejunal tube (TJT) in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with annular pancreas associated with duodenal obstruction are generally premature or small for their gestational age. The symptoms observed in annular pancreas are related not only to extrinsic compression of the ectopic tissue, but also the duodenal stenosis associated with this malformation. Annular pancreas is most commonly associated with intestinal malrotation. It does not correlate as strongly with trisomy 21 karyotype as do the duodenal atresias, and oral feeding tolerance time is nearly the same between the DD and DD+TE+TJT groups.

Isolated esophageal atresia with spontaneous recanalization: case report.

Isolated esophageal atresia is characterized by a long segment between the 2 esophageal pouches. The authors describe a case of pure esophageal atresia that showed spontaneous recanalization in the waiting period for primary esophageal anastomosis. Regurgitation of gastrostomy formula surprisingly was seen in her mouth. The patency of the esophagus was confirmed with thoracic computed tomography (CT) and an esophagogram. A strictured area in the proximal upper third of the esophagus was managed with baloon dilatation. She was discharged in normal condition, feeding by mouth, and with a normal esophagogram. This interesting event led us to speculate about a different type of pure esophageal atresia with the feasibility of the ends recanalizing after some events such as inflammation. This could be the subtype II5 of type 2 in Kluth's atlas of esophageal atresia in which they described 2 blind esophageal ends and a cyst occupying the intervening space. Another speculation about this subject is the presence of double membranes associated with esophageal atresia with a normal outer appearance of the esophagus as was first described by A. F. van Loosbroek.

Blunt renal injuries in Turkish children: a review of 205 cases.

A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 205 children with renal injuries secondary to blunt abdominal trauma is used to make recommendations regarding the initial diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in this type of patient. It was found that the absence of hematuria on initial urinalysis does not exclude a serious renal injury. Thus, following blunt abdominal trauma, all children should undergo imaging procedures to exclude renal injury, whether they have hematuria or not. Ultrasound is a good initial screening procedure in all patients. Computed tomography is recommended for the definitive evaluation of suspected major renal injuries. Since even major renal injuries may heal without surgical intervention, conservative management is the recommended initial treatment of choice. Surgery is reserved for those children who are hemodynamically unstable and those that develop complications.

MURCS association and rectovestibular fistula: case report of a patient treated with one-stage posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and sigmoid loop vaginoplasty.

MURCS association is rare, first described by Duncan in 1979, including nonrandom association of Mullerian duct aplasia or hypoplasia (MU), renal agenesis or ectopy (R), and cervicothoracic somite dysplasia. A 5-year-old girl was admitted to the clinic with a complaint of anteriorly located anus. Physical and radiologic examination of the patient found MURCS association with anorectal malformation (ARM) of rectovestibular-type fistula. She had multiple vertebral anomalies, left renal agenesis, vaginal and uterine agenesia, with a normal female 46,XX karyotype. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) and sigmoid loop vaginal reconstruction was performed as a one-stage operation for the treatment of vaginal agenesis and ARM. There were no complications in the postoperative period. This combined one-stage operation can be used easily in the treatment of some components of the MURCS association such as vaginal agenesis and ARM as an associated anomaly.

Does ileal reverse segment in rats with short bowel syndrome change intestinal morphology?

BACKGROUND: The primary goal of surgical therapy for short bowel syndrome is to increase intestinal absorptive capacity. Many surgical procedures have been described for this purpose. One of these is ileal reverse-segment procedure. This procedure after massive small-bowel resection is an alternative way to treat short bowel syndrome, but how it affects intestinal morphology in short bowel syndrome has not been investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate macroscopic and microscopic effects of reverse-segment procedure on the short bowel. METHODS: Twenty rats underwent resection of 80% of the small bowel. The rats were separated into two groups (n = 10). In the first group (reverse group), a reverse segment was formed by twisting a 2-cm ileal segment 180 degrees, without damaging its vascularity. In the second group (control group), a 2-cm ileal segment was resected, preserving its mesentery, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed to maintain the intestinal passage. The segment was not twisted 180 degrees. The 2-cm proximal (jejunal) and distal (ileal) segments of the resected bowel were reserved for histologic investigation. Two months later, the rats were killed and the jejunal and ileal segments were evaluated morphologically. RESULTS: In the reverse group, body weight and total intestinal length significantly increased (14% more than in the control group). The diameter of both proximal (jejunal) and distal (ileal) segments in the reverse group also increased 53.8% and 22.8%, respectively ( P < 0.05). Histologically, crypt depth and villus height of the ileal segment in the reverse group increased 15.2% and 18.2% more than in the control group ( P < 0.05). No histologic change was observed at the jejunal level except for intestinal muscle thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal reverse-segment procedure in rats with short bowel syndrome 1) does not cause intestinal obstruction, 2) increases total bowel length and body weight, 3) increases the diameter of both jejunal and ileal segments, and 4) increases villus height and crypt depth only at the ileal level. For this reason, reverse-segment procedure positively affects intestinal adaptation.