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Short bowel syndrome
Alternate Names : Small intestine insufficiency
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and may include: - A high-calorie diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals, as well as certain types of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Some vitamins and minerals may need to be given by injection
- Treatment for anemia with vitamin B12, folic acid, and increased dietary iron
- Medications to slow down the normal movement of the intestine (lengthens the time nutrients spend in the small intestine)
- Tube feeding through a vein (parenteral nutrition), if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients (patients can sometimes return to normal eating once they have stabilized)
Prognosis (Expectations)
The condition may improve over time if it occurs as a result of surgery. There may be a gradual improvement in nutrient absorption.
Complications
- Degeneration of the nervous system caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (combined systems disease)
- Excess acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
- Gallstones
- Kidney stones
- Malnutrition
- Too much growth of bacteria
- Weakened bones
- Weight loss
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially if you recently had bowel surgery.
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Review Date : 10/13/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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