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Surgical therapy for short bowel syndrome

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Abstract

Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) suffer tremendous morbidity secondary to prolonged hospitalization and chronic parenteral nutrition (TPN). Overall, the majority of infants will adapt and ultimately become independent of TPN, but this process may require many months or years. Reasons for continued TPN dependency include bowel dysmotility, bacterial overgrowth, insufficient adaptation, or very short bowel length. It is this subpopulation of patients who may benefit from surgical procedures that optimize intestinal adaptation and increase the mucosal absorptive surface area. The goal of this review article is to summarize the process of intestinal adaptation and then to outline the surgical principles and techniques available to surgeons who treat this complicated group of patients.

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  1. Division of General Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Rm 1526, Toronto, Ontario , M5G 1X8, Canada

    Paul W. Wales

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  1. Paul W. Wales
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Correspondence to Paul W. Wales.

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Wales, P.W. Surgical therapy for short bowel syndrome. Ped Surgery Int 20, 647–657 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-004-1268-6

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