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Short bowel syndrome

Alternative Names: Small intestine insufficiency Treatment: Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Text Continues Below A high-calorie and low-residue diet supplying essential vitamins and minerals is necessary. Anemia is treated with vitamin B-12, folic acid, and increased dietary iron. Medications may be given to lengthen the time nutrients spend in the small intestine. Parenteral nutrition (tube feeding through a vein or stomach tube) is often necessary if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients. Once the patient has stabilized, however, a return to normal eating may be tried. Expectations (prognosis): The condition may improve over time if it occurs as a result of surgery. Improvement of nutrient absorption and lengthening of food's transit time through the intestine usually occurs with recovery from surgery. Complications: Weight loss Malnutrition Pernicious anemia Combined systems disease (degenerative changes in the spinal cord and nerves due to vitamin B-12 deficiency) Gallstones Bacterial overgrowth Metabolic acidosis (d-lactic acidosis) Kidney stones Calling your health care provider: Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of short bowel syndrome develop, particularly if you have recently had bowel surgery.

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