Lyophilized dura mater (Lyodura) was used successfully in patching defects in the antimesenteric side of the distal small bowel of rats, guinea pigs, and dogs. Excellent healing was observed. The Lyodura was completely incorporated and had disappeared after 6 weeks; single-layer cuboidal epithelium was evident at this stage. Well-formed villi were present at 12 weeks. All layers of the intestinal wall were present 1 year following patching. Although the use of Lyodura has been considered contra-indicated in contaminated surgical procedures, we conclude from this study that it can be used safely in the intestinal tract of laboratory animals. Its efficacy as a substrate for growing neomucosa in the intestinal tract was evident. The potential use of this method in experimental short-bowel syndrome should be further explored.