Our Summary

Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition that primarily affects children, making it difficult for them to absorb nutrients properly due to issues with their small intestine. This could be a result of birth defects, disease, or surgery that removes a large portion of the small intestine. SBS is a significant cause of intestinal failure in children and is the main reason why half of all patients require nutrition to be delivered directly into their bloodstream at home.

While delivering nutrition directly into the bloodstream has improved care and outcomes for children with SBS, it can also lead to complications such as liver disease and issues with the catheter (the tube used to deliver the nutrients), including infections.

Recent research has shown that standardizing the way we manage SBS has improved the quality of life for these patients. Also, as we learn more about the disease, we’re seeing a reduction in death rates and complications.

It’s important that a range of healthcare professionals, including neonatologists (specialists in newborn care), pediatric surgeons, gastroenterologists (digestive system specialists), pediatricians, nutritionists and nurses, are involved in making decisions about diagnosis and treatment.

Improvements in outcomes can be achieved by closely monitoring nutritional status, reducing reliance on nutrition delivered directly into the bloodstream, introducing food into the diet earlier, and aggressively preventing, diagnosing and treating infections related to the catheter and overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

In order to personalize care for these patients, improve their quality of life and reduce the cost of care, it’s important that we have multi-center initiatives, such as research consortiums or data registries.

FAQs

  1. What is Short-bowel syndrome (SBS) and who does it primarily affect?
  2. What methods are currently being used to improve the outcomes for children with SBS?
  3. Why is it important to have a range of healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of SBS?

Doctor’s Tip

By following the recommendations of your healthcare team and closely monitoring your nutrition and overall health, you can help manage the effects of bowel resection and improve your quality of life. Be sure to follow any dietary guidelines given to you by your healthcare provider, stay hydrated, and communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns with your medical team. Regular follow-up appointments and screenings are important to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Remember, you are not alone in this journey – your healthcare team is here to support you every step of the way.

Suitable For

Bowel resection may also be recommended for patients with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to remove diseased or damaged portions of the bowel in order to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as medications or lifestyle changes may be candidates for bowel resection. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their healthcare provider in order to make an informed decision about their treatment options.

Timeline

  • Before Bowel Resection:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss, and dehydration

  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and endoscopy to determine the extent of the bowel disease

  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications

  • If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, patient may be recommended for bowel resection surgery

  • After Bowel Resection:

  • Patient undergoes bowel resection surgery to remove the diseased portion of the intestine

  • Patient may require a temporary colostomy or ileostomy to allow the bowel to heal

  • Patient undergoes post-operative care including pain management, monitoring for complications, and gradually reintroducing food into the diet

  • Patient may require long-term follow-up care to monitor for complications such as infection, bowel obstructions, and malabsorption

  • Patient may need ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, nutritionists, and nurses to manage their condition and optimize their quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about bowel resection:

  1. What is the reason for my bowel resection surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long will it take to recover from the surgery?
  4. Will I need a temporary or permanent ostomy (surgical opening in the abdomen for waste to pass through)?
  5. How will the surgery affect my ability to digest and absorb nutrients?
  6. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the surgery?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with my healthcare provider after the surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects of the surgery that I should be aware of?
  9. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery, such as medication or nutritional support?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have undergone bowel resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Caporilli C, Giannì G, Grassi F, Esposito S. Journal: Nutrients. 2023 May 17;15(10):2341. doi: 10.3390/nu15102341. PMID: 37242224