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Short bowel syndrome

Definition

Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed (malabsorption) because a large part of the small intestine is missing or has been surgically removed.

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Alternative Names

Small intestine insufficiency

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

When areas of the small intestine are removed by surgery, or they are missing due to a birth defect (congenital defect), there may not be enough surface area left in the remaining bowel to absorb enough nutrients from food.

This condition is likely to develop when one-half or more of the bowel is removed during surgery. Risk factors include diseases of the small intestine that may require surgery, such as Crohn's disease. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a common cause of short bowel syndrome in infants.

Symptoms

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Pale, greasy stools
Swelling (edema), especially of the legs
Very foul-smelling stools
Weight loss

Signs and tests

Blood chemistry tests (such as albumin level)
Complete blood count (CBC)
Fecal fat test
Small intestine x-ray
Vitamin levels in the blood

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and may include:

A high-calorie diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals, as well as certain types of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
Some vitamins and minerals may need to be given by injection
Treatment for anemia with vitamin B-12, folic acid, and increased dietary iron
Medications to slow down the normal movement of the intestine (lengthens the time nutrients spend in the small intestine)
Tube feeding through a vein (parenteral nutrition), if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients (patients can sometimes return to normal eating once they have stabilized)

Expectations (prognosis)

The condition may improve over time if it occurs as a result of surgery. There may be a gradual improvement in nutrient absorption.

Complications

Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
Nervous system problems caused by a lack of vitamin B12
Too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis due to diarrhea)
Gallstones
Kidney stones
Malnutrition
Weakened bones (osteomalacia)
Weight loss

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially if you recently had bowel surgery.

References

Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 142.

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