Small intestine insufficiency; Short gut syndrome; Necrotizing enterocolitis - short bowel DefinitionShort bowel syndrome is a problem that occurs when part of the small intestine is missing or has been removed during surgery. Nutrients are not properly absorbed into the body as a result. CausesThe small intestine absorbs much of the nutrients found in foods we eat. When two-thirds or more of the small intestine is missing, the body may not absorb enough food to stay healthy and maintain your weight. Some infants are born missing part or much of their small intestine. More often, short bowel syndrome occurs because much of the small intestine is removed during surgery. This type of surgery may be needed:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
Exams and TestsThe following tests may be done:
TreatmentTreatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and ensuring the body receives enough hydration and nutrients. A high-calorie diet that supplies:
If needed, injections of some vitamins and minerals or special growth factors will be given. Medicines to slow down the normal movement of the intestine can be tried. This may allow food to remain in the intestine longer. Medicines to lower the amount of stomach acid may also be needed. If the body is not able to absorb enough nutrients, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is tried. It will help you or your child get nutrition from a special formula through a vein in the body. Your health care provider will select the right amount of calories and TPN solution. Sometimes, you can also eat and drink while getting nutrition from TPN. Small bowel transplantation is an option in some cases. A medicine called teduglutide is available to help the bowel adjust to the shorted intestine. It helps in specific situations. Ask your provider if it might help you. Outlook (Prognosis)The condition may improve over time if it is due to surgery. Nutrient absorption may slowly get better. Possible ComplicationsComplications may include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially after you have had bowel surgery. ReferencesBuchman AL. Short bowel syndrome. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 106. Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 126. Venick RS. Short bowel syndrome. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 35. | |
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Review Date: 5/14/2024 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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