Complications of short bowel syndrome

Abstract

Short bowel syndrome is the most common reversible cause of intestinal failure. Most of the children are started on parenteral nutrition (PN) after surgery to enable growth and allow time for intestinal adaptation. This is a process whereby the shorter length of bowel is able to achieve complete function as if the entire length of bowel is present. With management advances, most children with short bowel syndrome can discontinue PN and establish full enteral feeds. This article mainly focuses on the complications of short bowel syndrome that need to be avoided for the child to achieve intestinal adaptation, establish on enteral feeds/oral diet and achieve enteral autonomy.