[Short bowel syndrome]

Abstract

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is defined in adults as a malabsorption disorder as a result of shortening the bowel to <200 cm. The severity of symptoms is less dependent on the amount of residual intestine than on the anatomical position of the resected bowel, the type of operative reconstruction, and the type and quality of nutritional, medical, and surgical treatment. Numerous complications and deficiency symptoms are associated with SBS. The extent of deficient nutrition should be determined. The need to create accesses for enteral and parenteral delivery, to supply supplementation as needed, perform pharmacological therapy, and in individual cases surgical treatment all necessitate a broad knowledge of nutritional medicine. The goals of therapy are correction and prevention of malnourishment, restoration of a normal nutritional status, and the normal thriving of children. Complications should be avoided, particularly those problems associated with parenteral nutrition. The frequency of diarrhea should be reduced. Overall, the aim is to achieve an optimized quality of life.