Short Bowel Syndrome
Definition
Short bowel syndrome is a complication that can occur in people who have a large part or all of their small intestine removed.
The Small Intestines
Causes
Short bowel syndrome occurs when half or more of the small intestine is removed. It reduces the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of short bowel syndrome include:
- Crohn's disease, which is the most common reason for the removal of the small intestine
- Vascular problems
- Premature birth or very low birth weight
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Intestinal atresias
- Gastroschesis
Symptoms
Symptoms of short bowel syndrome may include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Malnourishment
- Poor growth
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Food sensitivities
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests may also be performed to check for nutritional and absorption problems.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Nutrition
If you are malnourished, your doctor may give you food, fluid, and electrolytes through an IV. You will be advised to gradually increase your caloric intake and avoid certain foods. Initially, your diet will be high-protein, low-fat, and lactose-free.
Medications
In addition to changing your diet, you may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Antidiarrheal medications and medications that slow the contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles can also slow your digestion so you can absorb more nutrients. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an H2 antagonist, a proton pump inhibitor, cholestyramine, and/or octreotide.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent short bowel syndrome.
American Gastroenterological Association
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
Short bowel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated April 24, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2013.
Short bowel syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/shortbowel/index.htm. Updated April 30, 2012. Accessed May 23, 2013.
Last reviewed May 2013 by Marcin Chwistek, MD; Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
