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Review
. 2018 Jun 12:11:233-241.
doi: 10.2147/CEG.S122868. eCollection 2018.

Assessment and management of patients with intestinal failure: a multidisciplinary approach

Jennie T Grainger  1 , Yasuko Maeda  1   2 , Suzanne C Donnelly  1 , Carolynne J Vaizey  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Assessment and management of patients with intestinal failure: a multidisciplinary approach

Jennie T Grainger et al. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Intestinal failure (IF) is a condition characterized by the inability to maintain a state of adequate nutrition, or fluid and electrolyte balance due to an anatomical or a physiological disorder of the gastrointestinal system. IF can be an extremely debilitating condition, significantly affecting the quality of life of those affected. The surgical management of patients with acute and chronic IF requires a specialist team who has the expertise in terms of technical challenges and decision-making. A dedicated IF unit will have the expertise in patient selection for surgery, investigative workup and planning, operative risk assessment with relevant anesthetic expertise, and a multidisciplinary team with support such as nutritional expertise and interventional radiology. This article covers the details of IF management, including the classification of IF, etiology, prevention of IF, and initial management of IF, focusing on sepsis treatment and nutritional support. It also covers the surgical aspects of IF such as intestinal reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction, and intestinal transplantation.

Keywords: abdominal wall reconstruction; enterocutaneous fistula; intestinal failure; multidisciplinary approach; nutrition; short bowel syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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