Short bowel syndrome

Concise review on short bowel syndrome: Etiology, pathophysiology, and management

Adults have approximately 20 feet of small intestine, which is the primary site for absorbing essential nutrients and water. Resection of the intestine for any medical reason may result in short bowel syndrome (SBS), leading to loss of major absorptive surface area and resulting in various malabsorption and motility disorders. The mainstay of treatment is personalized close dietary management. Here we present SBS with its pathophysiology and different nutritional management options available. The central perspective of this paper is to provide a concise review of SBS and the treatment options available, along with how proper nutrition can solve major dietary issues in SBS and help patients recover faster.

Jonathan E. Rhoads Lecture: Experiences and Observations in the Management of Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome

In an era before parenteral nutrition (PN) was made practical by Stanley Dudrick, MD, and his colleagues, patients with prolonged intestinal dysfunction or short bowel syndrome would often die of malnutrition or its sequelae. Over the past 4 decades, the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome had progressed from PN in the hospital to small bowel transplantation. Multimodal therapies have evolved in the management of these patients, including specialized diets and enteral supplements, oral rehydration fluids, antisecretory medication, and the use of growth factors. Home PN is lifesaving when these modalities are ineffective and a surgical procedure to restore or enhance gastrointestinal tract length or absorptive potential is impossible. Small intestine transplantation had been used to salvage those patients who developed life-threatening complications of home PN, but as the survival after intestinal transplant has approached that of liver transplantation, it may soon be considered as primary therapy for patients with short bowel syndrome. This article presents the author's experiences and observations after a 4-decade experience in the management of patients with short bowel syndrome.

Short bowel syndrome in children: surgical and medical perspectives

The main cause of intestinal failure in children is due to short bowel syndrome (SBS) resulting from congenital or acquired intestinal lesions. From the first lengthening procedure introduced by Bianchi, the last three decades have seen lengthening procedures established as fundamental components of multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs. Debate on indications and timing of the procedures is still open leaving SBS surgical treatment a great challenge. However, enteral autonomy is possible only with an individualized approach remembering that each SBS patient is unique. Current literature on autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction technique was reviewed aiming to assess a comprehensive pathway in SBS non-transplant management.

An overview of short bowel syndrome management: adherence, adaptation, and practical recommendations

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the clinical consequences resulting from loss of small bowel absorptive surface area due to surgical resection or bypass. The syndrome is characterized by maldigestion, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Survival of patients with SBS is dependent on adaptation in the remaining bowel and a combination of pharmacologic and nutrition therapies. Individual plans of care are developed based on the length and sites of remaining bowel, the degree of intestinal adaptation, and the patient's ability to adhere to the medication and dietary regimens. Antisecretory and antidiarrheal medications are prescribed to slow intestinal transit times and optimize fluid and nutrient absorption. Based on postsurgical anatomy, enteral feedings, parenteral infusions, complex diet plans, and vitamin and mineral supplementation are used in various combinations to nourish patients with SBS. In the acute care setting, registered dietitians (RDs) assist with infusion therapy, diet education, and discharge planning. Long-term, as the small intestine adapts, RDs revise the nutrition care plan and monitor for nutrient deficiencies, metabolic bone disease, and anemia. The frequent monitoring and revision of care plans, plus the appreciable benefits from proper medical nutrition therapy, make this patient population extremely challenging and rewarding for RDs to manage. This article provides a brief, case study-based overview of the medical and nutrition management of SBS.

Medical management update: Peutz Jeghers syndrome

Peutz Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by hamartomatous polyposis and distinct mucocutaneous pigmentation. PJS is associated with an increased risk for several cancers and other complications such as small intestine intussusception, short bowel syndrome, and anemia. Medical management mainly consists of treatment of the polyps and surveillance. This medical management update will review clinical concepts, therapeutic advances, and emphasize features of PJS important to the oral health care provider.