Paul is 42 year old high school teacher who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease (an
inflammatory bowel disease) as a teenager. For 25 years, his condition was fairly well controlled
with anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, last year he had a small bowel
obstruction that had to be removed surgically. During this emergency surgery, 80% of his ileum
was also removed. After the surgery, Paul was prescribed a drug called cholestyramine. This
drug controls his diarrhea but also prevents the reabsorption of bile. Paul continues to have oily,
pale and foul smelling stools.
1. What is the function of bile salts?
2. What is the general circulation of bile salts in the digestive system?
3. Why does Paul have oily stools after his ileal resection?