Short bowel syndrome

Small intestine insufficiency; Short gut syndrome; Necrotizing enterocolitis - short bowel

The small intestine absorbs much of the nutrients found in foods we eat. When one half or more of our 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

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Pale, greasy stools
• Swelling (edema), especially of the legs
• Very foul-smelling stools
• Weight loss
• Dehydration

The following tests may be done:

• Blood chemistry tests (such as albumin level)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Fecal fat test
• Small intestine x-ray
• Vitamin levels in the blood

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and ensuring the body receives enough 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.

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.

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
• Too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis due to diarrhea)
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Malnutrition
• Weakened bones (osteomalacia)
• Weight loss

Call your provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially after you have had bowel surgery.