Short bowel syndrome

Alternative names:

small intestine insufficiency

Treatment:

The treatment is for the relief of symptoms.

A high-calorie and low-residue diet supplying essential vitamins and minerals is necessary. Anemia is treated with vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron in diet. Medications may be given to lengthen the transit time of nutrients through the intestine.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition may improve over time if it occurs as a result of surgery. Improvement of absorption and lengthening of transit time through the intestine usually occurs with recovery from surgery.

Complications:

• weight loss
• malnutrition
• pernicious anemia
• combined systems disease (degenerative changes in the spinal cord and nerves due to Vitamin B12 deficiency)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of short bowel syndrome develop.