Short Bowel Syndrome Overview
Learn About Short Bowel Syndrome
Short 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.
Small intestine insufficiency; Short gut syndrome; Necrotizing enterocolitis - short bowel
The 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:
- After gunshots or other trauma damaged the intestines
- For someone with severe Crohn disease
- For infants, often born too early, when part of their intestines dies
- When blood flow to the small intestine is reduced due to blood clots or narrowed arteries
Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Pale, greasy stools
- Swelling (edema), especially of the legs
- Very foul-smelling stools
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and ensuring the body receives enough hydration and nutrients.
A high-calorie diet that supplies:
- Key vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12
- Enough carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
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.
Jonathan Ray is a General Surgeon in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Ray and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Protein Deficiency, Obesity, Malnutrition, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Ray is currently accepting new patients.
Premier Surgical Associates PLLC
Mark Colquitt is a General Surgeon in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Colquitt and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Protein Deficiency, Malnutrition, Obesity, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Colquitt is currently accepting new patients.
University Health System, Inc.
Lynn Castle is a General Surgeon and a Physician Assistant in Knoxville, Tennessee. Castle and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Short Bowel Syndrome, Malnutrition, Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
The condition may improve over time if it is due to surgery. Nutrient absorption may slowly get better.
Complications may include:
- Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
- Nervous system problems caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (This problem can be treated with vitamin B12 injections.)
- Too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis due to diarrhea)
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Weakened bones (osteomalacia)
- Weight loss
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially after you have had bowel surgery.
Summary: The main aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and side effects of teduglutide (Revestive®) in real-world clinical practice setting in adult participants with intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome (SBS-IF) in Canada. This study is about collecting existing data only; participants receive teduglutide (Revestive®) by their doctors according to the clinical practice but not as par...
Summary: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept (PoC), Phase 2 study to assess the safety, PK, and PD of SC administration of HM15912(sonefpeglutide) in adult subjects with SBS-associated intestinal failure (SBS-IF).
Published Date: May 14, 2024
Published 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.
Buchman 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.