Urinary Volatile Phenols in Patients with Intestinal Obstruction

Abstract

To elucidate the origin of urinary volatile phenols in the gastrointestinal tract, their excretion was determined in 16 patients with intestinal obstruction. The normal level of excretion for these compounds (19–88 mg) was established by their determination in 23 control persons. It was found that stasis of the small bowel content (obstruction, postoperative hypotension) caused increased excretion of volatile phenols. In cases of a large intestinal obstruction which advanced without filling the small bowel, phenols were excreted at normal levels. Oral antibiotics and/or restoration of normal intestinal motility considerably reduced the excretion of volatile phenols. Studies carried out indicate the rise of urinary volatile phenols from small intestinal bacteria.

Key-words:

• Gastrointestinal diseases
• intestine
• small
• microflora
• phenols