Preservation of the ileocecal valve reduces the risk of SBBO after intestinal resection.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Known
• D. It increases risk

Answer: (A)

The ileocecal valve acts as a barrier and traffic regulator between the small and large intestine. Preserving it after intestinal resection helps keep colonic bacteria out of the jejunum and ileum and slows intestinal transit, both of which reduce the environment that supports small bowel bacterial overgrowth. When the valve is preserved, reflux of colonic contents is limited and stasis in the small bowel is less likely, lowering the risk of SBBO. Conversely, loss or dysfunction of the valve allows easier backflow and faster transit, increasing the chance of bacterial overgrowth. So preserving the ileocecal valve indeed reduces SBBO risk after resection.