Short-bowel syndrome

Short-bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal condition in which a reduced or damaged length of small intestine cannot absorb enough nutrients, water and electrolytes to maintain health. It most often follows surgery that removes part of the small intestine, for Crohn's disease, cancer, radiation injury or poor blood supply in adults, and necrotising enterocolitis in infants. Poor absorption causes diarrhoea, loose greasy stools, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain and bloating; dehydration is the main danger and can lead to organ damage. Treatment is built around nutrition support, including intravenous and tube feeding, with fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, and some people need long-term parenteral nutrition. Medicines include acid-lowering drugs such as proton pump inhibitors, antidiarrhoeal agents, and gut-hormone analogues such as teduglutide, which can reduce the need for parenteral support. Surgery may be considered when intestinal failure persists, and management is long-term.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.