Autologous intestinal reconstructive surgery to reduce bowel dilatation improves intestinal adaptation in children with short bowel syndrome

Cutoffs and Characteristics of Abnormal Bowel Dilatation in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Although excessive intestinal dilatation associates with worsened outcomes in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS), little is known about the natural history and definition of pathological dilatation. We addressed fore-, mid-, and hind-gut dilatation in children with SBS, who had not undergone autologous intestinal reconstructive (AIR) surgery, in relation to controls.

METHODS

SBS children without history of AIR surgery (n = 59) and age-matched controls without any disclosed intestinal pathology (n = 140) were included. Maximum diameter of duodenum, small bowel (SB), and colon were measured in each intestinal contrast series during 2002 to 2020 and expressed as diameter ratio (DR) to L5 vertebrae height. Predictive ability of DR for weaning off parenteral nutrition (PN) was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression models using multiple cutoffs.

RESULTS

Duodenum (DDR), SB (SBDR), and colon (CDR) DR were 53%, 183%, and 23% higher in SBS patients compared to controls ( P < 0.01 for all). The maximal DDR and SBDR measured during follow-up is associated with current PN dependence and young age. DDR correlated with SBDR ( r = 0.586, P < 0.01). Patients with maximal DDR less than 1.5, which was also the 99th percentile for controls, were 2.5-fold more likely to wean off PN ( P = 0.005), whereas SBDR and CDR were not predictive for PN duration.

CONCLUSIONS

All segments of remaining bowel, especially SB, dilate above normal levels in children with SBS. In SBS children without AIR surgery, PN dependence and young age is associated with duodenal and small intestinal dilatation, while duodenal dilatation also predicted prolonged PN.

Antimesenteric sleeve tapering enteroplasty with end-to-end anastomosis versus primary end-to-side anastomosis for the management of jejunal/ileal atresia

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Small bowel atresia commonly causes neonatal intestinal obstructions. Technical problems are associated with the surgical management of atresia using primary end-to-end anastomosis. Furthermore, the significantly dilated proximal loop may be associated with the stasis of intestinal fluid, thus increasing pressure on the anastomosis and prolonging fasting time before initiation of oral intake. This study aimed to perform antimesenteric tapering of the proximal loop using a linear stapler to reduce its diameter and facilitate anastomosis with the distal loop.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 57 neonates diagnosed with jejunoileal atresia. They were categorised into two groups: Group A (n = 29), which included neonates treated using antimesenteric sleeve enteroplasty tapering using a linear stapler and Group B (n = 28), which included neonates treated at the primary end of the proximal loop to the side of the distal loop anastomosis.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 122.5 min in group A vs. 118 min in group B, and the mean duration to reach full oral intake was 17 days in group A vs. 20.2 days in group B (p = 0.03). The mean length of hospital stay was 25 and 35 days in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Tapering the proximal dilated bowel loop to achieve anastomosis with the distal loop improved the transient time, reduced stasis and its associated translocation and colonisation, and allowed for early initiation and maintenance of oral intake. All these parameters shortened the overall length of hospital stay.

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) in case of short bowel syndrome: did we achieve our goal? A systematic review

Surveys on Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) published in international literature (1 January 2003- 31 May 2021) were searched. Articles were included from 17 countries: 1/23 comparative and 22/23 cohort studies. STEP was performed on 308 patients: pediatrics, adults, and mixed ages. Pediatric group included 16 studies and the adult 6. Pre-STEP residual small bowell (SB) length for pediatrics and adults ranged from 18 to 26 cm and from 30 to 70 cm, respectively. Post-STEP increased SB length for pediatrics and adults ranged between 42 and 100% and 50% and 176%, respectively. For pediatrics, enteral autonomy was reached in 32.22% of cases, parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence was 36.11%, a repeated STEP procedure (Re-STEP) was needed in 17.22%, and a bowel transplant was performed in 6.11%. In adults, enteral autonomy was achieved in 52.38%, while PN dependence was 37.1%, and no Re-STEP or transplantation were required. For the mixed group, post-STEP bowel length increased from 2 to 50 cm, enteral autonomy was obtained in 43%, PN dependence was 57%, without reported Re-STEP or transplantation. Mortality rates were between 5.55% (pediatric) and 7.14% (adults). Preoperative length with preservation of ileocecal valve represented the main predictive factors to achieve enteral autonomy.

To Wean or Not to Wean: The Role of Autologous Reconstructive Surgery in the Natural History of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on Behalf of Italian Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)

Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) can require prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the years, SBS management has been implemented by autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIR). The primary objective of the present review was to assess the effect of AGIR on weaning off PN. We also evaluated how AGIR impacts survival, the need for transplantation (Tx) and the development of liver disease (LD). We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies published from January 1999 to the present and 947 patients were identified. PN alone was weakly associated with higher probability of weaning from PN (OR = 1.1, p = 0.03) and of surviving (OR = 1.05, p = 0.01). Adjusting for age, the probability of weaning off PN but of not surviving remained significantly associated with PN alone (OR = 1.08, p = 0.03). Finally, adjusting for age and primary diagnosis (gastroschisis), any association was lost. The prevalence of TX and LD did not differ by groups. In conclusion, in view of the low benefit in terms of intestinal adaptation and of the not negligible rate of complications (20%), a careful selection of candidates for AGIR should be required. Bowel dilation associated with failure of advancing EN and poor growth, should be criteria to refer for AGIR.

Plasticised Regenerated Silk/Gold Nanorods Hybrids as Sealant and Bio-Piezoelectric Materials

Manual and mechanical suturing are currently the gold standard for bowel anastomosis. If tissue approximation fails, anastomotic leaks occur. Anastomotic leaks may have catastrophic consequences. The development of a fully absorbable, biocompatible sealant material based on a bio-ink silk fibroin can reduce the chance of anastomotic leaks. We have produced a Ca-modified plasticised regenerated silk (RS) with gold nanorods sealant. This sealant was applied to anastomosed porcine intestine. Water absorption from wet tissue substrate applied compressive strains on hybrid RS films. This compression results in a sealant effect on anastomosis. The increased toughness of the hybrid plasticised RS resulted in the designing of a bio-film with superior elongation at break (i.e., ≈200%) and bursting pressure. We have also reported structure-dependent piezoelectricity of the RS film that shows a piezoelectric effect out of the plane. We hope that in the future, bowel anastomosis can be simplified by providing a multifunctional bio-film that makes feasible the mechanical tissue joint without the need for specific tools and could be used in piezoelectric sealant heads.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease in adult patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to give up-to-date information on intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) and how its investigation and management has evolved. Despite advances in treatment for patients with intestinal failure, IFALD remains a significant cause of mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

Liver biopsy remains as the gold standard for the diagnosis of IFALD, but its invasive nature has prompted assessment of noninvasive techniques. Risk factors for IFALD are both nonnutritional (e.g. sepsis) and nutritional. Strict protocols for the prevention of central venous catheter infections in patients with intestinal failure are well established, as is the optimization of the constituents of parenteral nutrition. Further research comparing the available lipid emulsions has become available. Novel approaches at maximizing intestinal absorption are discussed including glucagon-like peptide-2 analogues, as well as surgical approaches.

SUMMARY

Although there are data on the novel investigative and therapeutic strategies for managing IFALD, further study is required to identify a suitable noninvasive technique for earlier diagnosis and then monitoring of IFALD. Further data are also required on the impact of novel therapies aimed at improving absorption and reducing parenteral nutrition load on IFALD occurrence and progression.

Restoring gut physiology in short bowel patients: from bench to clinical application of autologous intestinal reconstructive procedures

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome represents the leading etiology that causes intestinal failure both in children and adults. Total parenteral nutrition support has dramatically improved the prognosis for these patients but, if related irreversible complications occur, the alternative is represented by surgery and/or transplantation. Areas covered: Autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive procedures are a feasible, alternative approach with good long-term outcome data inexperienced surgical centers. Expert opinion: Ongoing innovative efforts have driven the surgical options for successful autologous reconstructive surgery: bowel elongation/tapering techniques (LILT, STEP, and the new SILT) together with the 'reversed bowel segment' procedure are now recognized procedures and all must be tailored to the individual patient needs to obtain the optimal result in terms of enteral autonomy. Background laboratory experimentation with new procedures e.g. options for bowel dilation techniques and distraction-induced enterogenesis, may provide additional management and treatment modalities.

Outcomes in patients with short bowel syndrome after autologous intestinal reconstruction: Does etiology matter?

BACKGROUND

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most common cause of intestinal failure in children. Many factors have been investigated in an attempt to define which parameters influence most survival and ability to wean off parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of this study was to investigate if aetiology of SBS affects the outcomes in paediatric patients treated with autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

All children with SBS who underwent autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery between 2002 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed and outcome measures were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were divided into 4 groups according to aetiology (gastroschisis, volvulus, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intestinal atresia). No significant differences were found among groups regarding survival and median age at surgery. The volvulus group had a lower pre-operative bowel length in comparison with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia and the lowest percentage of patients off PN (30%). Gastroschisis had the lowest rate of preserved ileocaecal valve (10%), while intestinal atresia had the highest (66%). For children who weaned off PN, intestinal atresia had also the longest time to achieve enteral autonomy (14.5months), while NEC had the shortest (3.5months), followed by gastroschisis (8.5months). None of the patients needed transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience it does not appear that diagnosis is significantly related to outcome and this is consistent with the conclusions of other reviews. However, it should be noted that in our series patients with volvulus had the worse outcome in terms of weaning off PN when compared with intestinal atresia.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Small Bowel Dilatation Predicts Prolonged Parenteral Nutrition and Decreased Survival in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To analyze risk factors and prognostic significance of small bowel (SB) dilatation in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

BACKGROUND

In SBS, the remaining SB may dilate as part of intestinal adaptation. The impact of dilatation on parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence and survival has not been studied systematically.

METHODS

SB diameter of SBS children (n = 61) was measured in contrast SB series (n = 169, median age 0.94, range 0.32-2.7 years) during 2002 to 2015, and expressed as millimeters (SB width) and as ratio to L5 vertebra height (SB diameter ratio). Linear regression was used to examine risk factors for dilatation. PN weaning and survival were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Maximal SB diameter ratio during follow-up was predicted by PN dependence and SB atresia, while maximal absolute SB width by birth weight, age, PN duration, and remaining bowel length. Weaning off PN was 14-fold more likely in patients with maximal SB diameter ratio <2.00 compared with >3.00 (P = 0.005), and 5.4-fold more likely when maximal SB width was <20 mm compared with >30 mm (P = 0.023). After adjustment for age, remaining SB length, and the presence of ileocecal valve, both estimates of maximal SB dilatation remained significant independent predictors for weaning off PN. When all measurements were included, the cumulative survival was worse if SB diameter ratio exceeded 2.00 (P = 0.002-0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

SB dilatation predicts prolonged PN duration and decreased survival in SBS children. Measurement of maximal SB diameter standardized to L5 vertebra height may be a valuable objective tool for patient follow-up and assessment of prognosis.

Risk factors and outcomes of tapering surgery for small intestinal dilatation in pediatric short bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

In remains unclear why in some short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients, the remaining small bowel (SB) dilates excessively leading to requirement of tapering surgery.

METHODS

Among SBS children, we retrospectively analyzed risk factors for tapering surgery with logistic regression and compared the outcome of operated patients (n=16) to those managed conservatively (n=44) with Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

SBS was caused by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (n=31), SB atresia (SBA) (n=13), midgut volvulus (n=12), or gastroschisis (n=4). Patients with spontaneous symptomatic SB dilatation unable to wean parenteral nutrition (PN) underwent tapering surgery at median age of 1.04 (interquartile range 0.70-3.27) years. Missing ICV was related to an 8-fold (p=0.003) increased risk while SBA diagnosis was related to a 13-fold risk of tapering surgery (p<0.001). Increasing SB length and NEC diagnosis were protective of tapering (p=0.027-0.004). Of operated patients, 75% reached enteral autonomy during follow-up and their postoperative adjusted PN weaning rate was similar to nonoperated children (p=0.842).

CONCLUSION

SBS children with short remaining SB, missing ICV, and SBA etiology are more likely while NEC patients are less likely than others to necessitate tapering surgery. Postoperative PN weaning rates were comparable to patients who initially had more favorable intestinal anatomy and adapted without surgery.

Surgical strategies in short bowel syndrome

Extensive loss of small bowel in all age groups has significant morbidity and mortality consequences. Despite the astonishing ability of the small bowel to compensate for an extensive loss, long-term parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition, tailored to the need of the patients in relation to the missing intestinal regions is needed. Organ-preserving surgical intervention becomes necessary in patients with a very short intestinal transit time and in an other group of patients with impaired propulsive peristalsis. Intestinal transplantation is indicated in recurrent septical infections or if nearly all of the small bowel is missing. This review discusses indications and risks of the organ-preserving surgical therapies in children with short bowel syndrome.

Intestinal Microbiota Signatures Associated With Histological Liver Steatosis in Pediatric-Onset Intestinal Failure

BACKGROUND

Intestinal failure (IF)-associated liver disease (IFALD) is the major cause of mortality in IF. The link between intestinal microbiota and IFALD is unclear.

METHODS

We compared intestinal microbiota of patients with IF (n = 23) with healthy controls (n = 58) using culture-independent phylogenetic microarray analysis. The microbiota was related to histological liver injury, fecal markers of intestinal inflammation, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and calprotectin, and disease characteristics.

RESULTS

Overabundance of Lactobacilli, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria was observed in IF, whereas bacteria related to Clostridium clusters III, IV, and XIVa along with overall diversity and richness were reduced. Patients were segregated into 3 subgroups based on dominating bacteria: Clostridium cluster XIVa, Proteobacteria, and bacteria related to Lactobacillus plantarum. In addition to liver steatosis and fibrosis, Proteobacteria were associated with prolonged current parenteral nutrition (PN) as well as liver and intestinal inflammation. Lactobacilli were related to advanced steatosis and fibrosis mostly after weaning off PN without associated inflammation. In multivariate permutational analysis of variance, liver steatosis, bowel length, PN calories, and antibiotic treatment best explained the microbiota variation among patients with IF.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal microbiota composition was associated with liver steatosis in IF and better predicted steatosis than duration of PN or length of the remaining intestine. Our results may be explained by a model in which steatosis is initiated during PN in response to proinflammatory lipopolysaccharides produced by Proteobacteria and progresses after weaning off PN, as the L plantarum group Lactobacilli becomes dominant and affects lipid metabolism by altering bile acid signaling.

Intestinal failure following necrotizing enterocolitis: A clinical approach

Intestinal failure is a recognized complication of surgically-managed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Functional adaptation of remaining bowel means that many children are eventually able to achieve enteral autonomy. Integrated multidisciplinary care in the early post-operative phase is key to long-term success. The objective of this review is to outline a clinical approach to management of intestinal and nutritional complications experienced by children following intestinal resection for NEC.

Autologous intestinal reconstruction surgery as part of comprehensive management of intestinal failure

Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) remains to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, the most frequent underlying etiologies being short bowel syndrome (SBS), and primary motility disorders. Management aims to assure growth and development, while preventing complications and facilitating weaning off parenteral support (PS) by fully utilizing adaptation potential of the remaining gut. Probability of survival and weaning off PS is improved by coordinated multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation combining individualized physiological enteral and parenteral nutrition (PN), meticulous central line care and medical management with carefully planned surgical care. Increasing evidence suggests that autologous intestinal reconstruction (AIR) surgery is effective treatment for selected short bowel patients. Bowel lengthening procedures normalize pathological adaptation-associated short bowel dilatation with potential to support intestinal absorption and liver function by various mechanisms. Although reversed small intestinal segment, designed to prolong accelerated intestinal transit, improves absorption in adult SBS, its feasibility in children remains unclear. Controlled bowel obstruction to induce dilatation followed by bowel lengthening aims to gain extra length in patients with the shortest duodenojejunal remnant. Reduced PS requirement limits the extent of complications, improving prognosis and quality of life. The great majority of children with SBS can be weaned from PS while prognosis of intractable primary motility disorders remains poor without intestinal transplantation, which serves as a salvage therapy for life-threatening complications such as liver failure, central vein thrombosis or recurrent bloodstream infections.

[New technique for intestinal lengthening -- from the idea to the clinical application]

INTRODUCTION

In severe short bowel syndrome, as a result of the natural adaptation, the bowel becomes overdilated, this interferes with the persitalsis and may lead to stasis, bacterial translocation and sepsis. At present two techniques are used to improve peristalsis. The Bianchi procedure is technically challenging, the Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) is easy however it results in an aphysiological ultrastructure altering the orientation of the muscle fibres. Our aim was to develop an easy technique, which does not alter intestinal muscular ultrastructure dramatically.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The idea, Spiral Intestinal Lengthening and Tailoring (SILT), is based on a spiral shape incision of the intestine and retubularisation in a longer but narrower fashion. The feasibility and the effect on the muscular ultrastructure were tested on bowelsimulator and porcine intestine. The intramural microcirculation was checked with intravital microscopy. The outcome was assessed on minipigs (n = 6) than clinical application was commenced.

RESULTS

SILT was feasible, did not change the orientation of muscle fibres significantly, did not compromised microcirculation, no surgical complication was noted when tailoring did not exceed 75%. The first clinical application was successful.

CONCLUSION

SILT is a safe and easy technique and not altering the intestinal musculature significantly.

Animal models of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Animal models of infant short bowel syndrome: translational relevance and challenges

Intestinal failure (IF), due to short bowel syndrome (SBS), results from surgical resection of a major portion of the intestine, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and need for parenteral nutrition (PN). The incidence is highest in infants and relates to preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis, atresia, gastroschisis, volvulus, and aganglionosis. Patient outcomes have improved, but there is a need to develop new therapies for SBS and to understand intestinal adaptation after different diseases, resection types, and nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Animal studies are needed to carefully evaluate the cellular mechanisms, safety, and translational relevance of new procedures. Distal intestinal resection, without a functioning colon, results in the most severe complications and adaptation may depend on the age at resection (preterm, term, young, adult). Clinically relevant therapies have recently been suggested from studies in preterm and term PN-dependent SBS piglets, with or without a functional colon. Studies in rats and mice have specifically addressed the fundamental physiological processes underlying adaptation at the cellular level, such as regulation of mucosal proliferation, apoptosis, transport, and digestive enzyme expression, and easily allow exogenous or genetic manipulation of growth factors and their receptors (e.g., glucagon-like peptide 2, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, epidermal growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor). The greater size of rats, and especially young pigs, is an advantage for testing surgical procedures and nutritional interventions (e.g., PN, milk diets, long-/short-chain lipids, pre- and probiotics). Conversely, newborn pigs (preterm or term) and weanling rats provide better insights into the developmental aspects of treatment for SBS in infants owing to their immature intestines. The review shows that a balance among practical, economical, experimental, and ethical constraints will determine the choice of SBS model for each clinical or basic research question.

Recent advances in the management of pediatric intestinal failure

Intestinal failure is a chronic condition in which the intestinal tract has lost most of its function. Prognosis depends on the severity and underlying etiologies. Although many patients survive under parenteral nutrition support, they often suffer from fatal complications such as progressive cholestasis and frequent sepsis. In addition, to decide the proper time to refer selected patients to bowel transplantation remains difficult. A noninvasive biomarker developed to evaluate functional enterocyte mass and the extent of intestinal adaptation is plasma citrulline level. It is shown that serum citrulline correlates with small bowel length, oral tolerance, and parenteral nutrition dependency. Recent evidence has revealed that the use of fish oil containing lipid emulsions to substitute traditional soybean-based formula may reverse a patient's cholestasis and improve lipid profiles. A new method used to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection is ethanol lock therapy. With both antimicrobial and fibrinolytic activities, studies have shown that ethanol locks can effectively decrease catheter infection and replacement rate with no known resistance reported. As part of intestinal rehabilitation, auxiliary surgeries such as longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring, serial transverse enteroplasty, and tapering enteroplasty can be beneficial for selected patients before bridging to bowel transplantation. With the introduction of these new medical and surgical modalities, patients with intestinal failure are having better outcomes than in the past.

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.

Surgical options to enhance intestinal function in patients with short bowel syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will provide the practitioner with an understanding of the spectrum of nontransplant surgical options for managing patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Intestinal lengthening procedures are a promising therapy to allow autonomy from parenteral nutrition. The recently described serial transverse enteroplasty is an effective procedure that is easier to perform and has similar outcomes to the more standard longitudinal lengthening procedure described by Bianchi.

SUMMARY

There are several surgical options for management of the SBS, including construction of intestinal valves or reversed intestinal segments, interposition of segments of colon, or intestinal lengthening procedures. The choice of technique is dictated by the patient's underlying pathophysiology and includes such factors as intestinal transit time, length of remnant bowel, presence of intact colon, and degree of small bowel dilation. Nontransplant surgical interventions are important adjuncts to the elimination of parenteral nutrition dependence and need for intestinal transplantation.

Non-transplant surgery for short bowel syndrome

The goal of any treatment programme for short bowel syndrome SBS is to achieve nutritional enteral autonomy. This must begin with conservation of as much bowel as possible from the time of first presentation. Frequent causes of the short bowel syndrome are intestinal atresia, necrotizing enterocolitis, midgut volvulus, extended intestinal aganglionosis, 'vanished gut' often associated with gastroschisis and occasionally catastrophic trauma. Atresia is more amenable to successful surgery than other causes, except when associated with gastroschisis. Intrinsic dysmotility has a poor prognosis. Intestinal lengthening procedures are only indicated if there is sufficient bowel dilatation. Extended intestinal aganglionosis is rarely amenable to any form of non-transplant surgery. Options available are to conserve bowel, close stomas early (use all available bowel to the maximum or even re-feed stoma effluent into the distal unused bowel), release adhesions causing obstruction, resect strictures, taper or excise localized dilatations and finally address dilated bowel with lengthening and tailoring operations. These procedures aim to improve effective peristalsis, thereby reducing bacterial overgrowth and improving nutrient contact with enteral mucosa to maximize absorption and intestinal adaptation. The Bianchi longitudinal splicing operation and the serial transverse enteroplasty operations have stood the test of time in providing considerable improvement in enteral nutritional autonomy in around 60% of cases. In SBS without dilatation attempts at 'mechanically' delaying transit (nipple valves, reversed bowel segments, colon interposition) have had inconsistent outcomes. Growing neomucosa and lengthening bowel by longitudinal stretch are still experimental.