Objectives: To compare the plasma levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid following resection of ileocecal or ileal segments used for orthotopic bladder substitution.
Methods: Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured in 34 patients with ileocecourethrostomy (ICUS) and in 16 patients with ileal reservoir (IR), with a mean follow-up of 59.8 +/- 41.9 months. The results were compared with regard to both the type of operation and the length of time since surgery.
Results: The level of folic acid was normal in all patients. The mean level of vitamin B12 in the ICUS group was 413.67 +/- 160.45 ng/mL compared to 257.63 +/- 121.36 for the IR group. This difference was statistically significant. In the IR group, 18.75% of the patients had a level of vitamin B12 below normal.
Conclusions: There is a tendency for vitamin B12 levels to fall in patients in whom the ileum is used. Resection of the ileocecal segment including the junction does not alter the level of vitamin B12.