[The problem of malabsorption after resection of the small intestine].

During the period from 1971 to 1981 in 145 patients (108 adults and 37 children) partial resections of the intestine were practiced (in the surgical clinic of the Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena). Fatality on the whole was about 25%. The surgical intervention with an extensive resection (more than 150 cm) was well tolerated by seven among 13 patients. Even in cases of shorter resections disturbances of resorption could be found especially for carbohydrates and vitamin B 12. Control examinations are necessary and therapeutic consequences have to be drawn.