Our Summary

This research paper discusses a condition called intestinal failure (IF), which happens when the digestive system can’t absorb enough nutrients from food. Most of the time, this is due to short-bowel syndrome, a condition that can result from a variety of issues such as Crohn’s disease, blood clots in the intestines, and damage from radiation therapy. Other causes of IF can include blockages, problems with the muscles that move food through the intestines, and birth defects. Diagnosing and treating IF can be difficult because it’s a complex condition. The paper reviews different ways to manage IF, including rehab for the intestines, feeding through a vein, and transplanting a new intestine.

FAQs

  1. What is intestinal failure and what causes it?
  2. What is short-bowel syndrome and how is it related to intestinal failure?
  3. What are the treatment options for managing intestinal failure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about intestinal resection is to follow a carefully planned diet and nutrition plan to ensure proper absorption of nutrients and prevent complications such as malnutrition. It is important to work closely with a healthcare team, including a registered dietitian, to develop a personalized nutrition plan that meets your specific needs. This may include special dietary supplements, vitamins, and monitoring of nutritional status. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding foods that may irritate the intestines can help support healing and recovery after intestinal resection.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended intestinal resection include those with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, vascular thrombosis, radiation enteritis, obstruction, dysmotility, and congenital defects that result in intestinal failure. These patients may experience malabsorption and require significant intestinal resection to address their underlying condition. In cases where conservative management is not sufficient, intestinal resection may be recommended to improve nutritional absorption and overall health.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  1. Diagnosis: Patients may experience symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances leading to a diagnosis of intestinal failure.

  2. Evaluation: Patients undergo various tests such as imaging studies, blood tests, and endoscopic procedures to determine the extent of the intestinal failure and the need for surgery.

  3. Treatment: Non-surgical treatments such as dietary modifications, medications, and nutritional support may be attempted to improve intestinal function before considering surgical intervention.

After intestinal resection:

  1. Surgery: Patients undergo intestinal resection to remove the damaged or non-functioning portion of the intestine, which may result in short bowel syndrome and the need for long-term management of intestinal failure.

  2. Recovery: Patients recover from surgery and begin the process of intestinal rehabilitation, which includes gradually reintroducing oral feedings, monitoring nutrient absorption, and managing complications such as infections and intestinal strictures.

  3. Management: Patients may require long-term parenteral nutrition to supplement their nutritional needs, as well as medications to control symptoms and prevent complications of intestinal failure.

  4. Follow-up: Patients undergo regular monitoring and follow-up visits with healthcare providers to assess their nutritional status, adjust treatment plans as needed, and discuss the possibility of intestinal transplantation in severe cases of intestinal failure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for my intestinal resection?

  2. How much of my intestine was removed during the surgery?

  3. What are the potential complications or risks associated with intestinal resection?

  4. How will my digestion and absorption of nutrients be affected after the surgery?

  5. Will I need to make any dietary changes or take any supplements following the surgery?

  6. What is the expected recovery time and when can I resume normal activities?

  7. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies to support my intestinal function after the surgery?

  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with my intestines after the surgery?

  9. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of following intestinal resection?

  10. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests to monitor my intestinal health after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bharadwaj S, Tandon P, Meka K, Rivas JM, Jevenn A, Kuo NT, Steiger E. Journal: J Clin Gastroenterol. 2016 May-Jun;50(5):366-72. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000512. PMID: 26974760