Short-gut syndrome
| Short bowel syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Short gut syndrome, short gut, intestinal failure |
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| A piece of diseased ileum following removal by surgery. | |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss |
| Complications | Anemia, kidney stones |
| Causes | Surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine |
| Risk factors | Crohn's disease, necrotising enterocolitis |
| Treatment | Specific diet, medications, surgery |
| Medication | Antibiotics, antacids, loperamide, teduglutide, growth hormone |
| Prognosis | Depends on amount of small bowel remaining |
| Frequency | 3 per million per year |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Short bowel syndrome (SBS, or simply short gut) is a malabsorption disorder caused by a lack of functional small intestine. The primary symptom is diarrhea, which can result in dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss. Other symptoms may include bloating, heartburn, feeling tired, lactose intolerance, and foul smelling stool. Complications can include anemia and kidney stones.
Most cases are due to the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine. This is most often required due to Crohn's disease in adults and necrotising enterocolitis in young children. Other causes include damage to the small intestine from other means and being born with an abnormally short intestine. It usually does not develop until less than 2 m (6.6 ft) of the normally 6.1 m (20 ft) small intestine remains.
Treatment may include a specific diet, medications, or surgery. The diet may include slightly salty and slightly sweet liquids, vitamin and mineral supplements, small frequent meals, and the avoidance of high fat food. Occasionally nutrients need to be given through an intravenous line, known as parenteral nutrition. Medications used may include antibiotics, antacids, loperamide, teduglutide, and growth hormone. Different types of surgery, including an intestinal transplant, may help some people.
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