This scientific study examines the effect of gastrectomy on the lymphatic system of the small intestine in terms of fat absorption. The authors conducted a lifetime study of the lymphatic vessels in 34 dogs using the method of biological injection. It was established that under normal conditions, fat absorption occurs predominantly in the duodenum and the initial sections of the small intestine. However, after gastrectomy, this absorption is disrupted and shifts to the terminal sections of the small intestine and, in some cases, even to the large intestine.

A particularly pronounced displacement of the process was observed after operations involving the Polya–Reichel gastroenterostomy. Under these conditions, the lymphatic system of the large intestine acquired the ability to absorb fats — a function that is uncharacteristic under normal conditions. This indicates the high compensatory and adaptive capacity of the intestinal lymphatic system in the postoperative period.

gastrectomy, lymphatic vessels, small intestine, fat absorption, biological injection, chyle (white chylous fluid), Polya–Reichel anastomosis, terminal section, compensatory mechanisms, absorptive function

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