Our Summary

In 1968, researchers reported a baby who was kept alive by feeding them through their veins because they had severe intestinal problems. This method became more common over time, but it sometimes led to a serious liver disease, which often required a liver or intestine transplant. To address this, teams of healthcare professionals started to provide careful and creative care, including the use of different types of fats and limiting the amount of fats used in the treatment. This has led to fewer cases of the liver disease and more children surviving for a long time without needing a transplant, even in cases where they have extremely short intestines. Surgeries that rebuild the intestines have also increased the chance of children being able to eat normally. Since 2007, the number of intestine transplants in children has dropped significantly, likely due to these new medical advancements. Recent data suggests that the criteria for listing someone for an intestine transplant needs to change, as the overall results have improved. Over the last 50 years, the outlook for children with short bowel syndrome has greatly improved, with a much better quality of life and chance of survival.

FAQs

  1. What is Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD) and how is it related to bowel resection?
  2. How have Intestinal Rehabilitation Programs (IRPs) contributed to the management and survival of patients with significant intestinal resections?
  3. What recent changes have been made to the listing criteria for intestinal transplantation, and why were these changes necessary?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about bowel resection is to follow a strict dietary plan to ensure proper nutrition and prevent complications such as malnutrition. It is important to work closely with a nutritionist to develop a plan that meets your individual needs and ensures you are getting all the necessary nutrients for healing and overall health. Additionally, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise can also aid in the recovery process after bowel resection surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for bowel resection include those with conditions such as short bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, bowel obstruction, intestinal tumors, and trauma to the intestines. These patients may require bowel resection to remove damaged or diseased portions of the bowel in order to improve their overall health and quality of life. Additionally, patients with Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD) may also be recommended for bowel resection in conjunction with liver transplant to improve their outcomes.

Timeline

  • Before bowel resection: The patient may have been experiencing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or bleeding. They may have undergone various diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy or imaging studies to determine the cause of their symptoms. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined that a bowel resection was necessary to remove a diseased or damaged portion of the bowel.

  • During bowel resection: The patient would have undergone a surgical procedure to remove the affected portion of the bowel. This may have been done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. The surgeon would have carefully removed the damaged portion of the bowel and then reconnected the healthy sections.

  • After bowel resection: The patient would have been closely monitored in the hospital for any complications such as infection or bowel obstruction. They would have been started on a clear liquid diet and gradually advanced to solid foods as tolerated. Depending on the extent of the resection, the patient may have experienced changes in their bowel habits or digestion. They would have been advised on how to manage these changes and may have been referred to a dietitian for nutritional guidance.

Overall, the patient would have experienced a period of recovery and adjustment after bowel resection, with the goal of improving their quality of life and resolving their symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for the bowel resection surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan?
  4. Will I need a temporary or permanent ostomy after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my ability to digest food and absorb nutrients?
  6. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications I should be aware of?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up treatments or procedures after the surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of this surgery for patients with my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Cohran VC, Prozialeck JD, Cole CR. Journal: Pediatr Res. 2017 Apr;81(4):540-549. doi: 10.1038/pr.2016.265. Epub 2016 Dec 20. PMID: 27997531