Treatment of Hyperoxaluria in Patients with Jejunoileal Bypass: Effects of Calcium, Aluminum, Magnesium and Cholestyramine

Hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate stones are common following intestinal resection1 and jejunoileal bypass operations2,3. A high intestinal absorption of oxalate appears to be responsible for the hyperoxaluria4,5. Diets low in oxalate5 and fat4 have been recommended to reduce oxalate excretion, but may be difficult to adhere to because of unpalatability6. Oral administration of calcium7, aluminium6, magnesium8 and cholestyramine9 have been reported to decrease oxalate excretion in patients with enteric hyperoxaluria, but none of these studies was performed under ambulatory conditions. This study describes the effects of these treatments on the urinary composition of patients with hyperoxaluria after jejunoileal bypass operation under out-patient conditions.