Short Bowel Syndrome

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

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Short bowel syndrome is a condition that prevents your intestines from absorbing the nutrients it needs. Short bowel syndrome occurs when the intestine is shorter than normal or does not work the way it should.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

A central line

is an IV catheter or tube. It is put into a large vein (blood vessel) near your collarbone, in your neck, or in your groin. Other central lines, such as a PICC, may be put into your arm. You may need a central line to receive medicines or IV fluids that need to be given through a big vein. You may need a central line if it is hard for healthcare providers to insert a regular IV. A central line can also stay in longer than a regular IV can. Some central lines may also be used to take blood samples.

You may be weighed each day.

Healthcare providers compare your weight from day to day to record how much body fluid you have. You can become dehydrated if you lose too much fluid. You can have shortness of breath or swelling in your legs if you retain (hold) too much fluid.

Intake and output

may be measured. Healthcare providers will keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting. They also may need to know how much you are urinating. Ask healthcare providers if they need to measure or collect your urine.

Nutrition:

A dietitian may talk to you about your nutrition.

• If you have no problems eating normally, eat a variety of healthy foods. You may be given soft foods or thickened liquids.
• You may need total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for a short time. TPN is usually given through a large IV catheter, such as a central line. As you improve and your bowel works better, you may be able to eat normally.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
• Diarrhea medicine decreases the amount of diarrhea you are having.
• Antacids help decrease stomach acid.
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever may be given. These can cause serious problems if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach. Tell healthcare providers if you have any of these medical conditions before you receive the medicine.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed because your intestines cannot absorb these nutrients from food.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• glutamine
• Gattex
• Zorbtive
• somatropin
• teduglutide

Tests:

• Blood tests may be used to check your vitamin, mineral, and electrolyte levels.
• Bowel movement samples may be checked for carbohydrates or fats that were not absorbed properly from food. The samples may also be checked for blood or mucus.
• A breath test helps your healthcare provider know if you have an infection in your intestines. You breathe into a machine that measures how well you absorb carbohydrates (sugars).
• Abdominal x-ray pictures of the organs inside your abdomen may show problems such as blocked, shortened, or enlarged intestines.
• A barium enema is an x-ray of the colon. A tube is put into your anus, and a liquid called barium is put through the tube. Barium is used so that healthcare providers can see your colon better on the x-ray film.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are procedures that use a tube with a light on the end. The tube will be put into your anus, and then moved forward into your intestine. A sigmoidoscopy looks at the lower part of your intestine. A colonoscopy looks at your entire intestine.

Surgery

may be needed if your intestines become blocked or your bowel is very short. Healthcare providers will lengthen your bowel or remove the blockage. You may need a bowel transplant.

RISKS:

• You may need long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN). This is food in liquid form and is usually given through an IV. TPN can cause liver problems, gallbladder or kidney stones, or bone diseases. If you have surgery, you may bleed, get an infection, or your signs and symptoms can get worse.
• Without treatment, you may become malnourished and dehydrated. Your remaining bowel will not absorb enough water and nutrients from food. This can cause you to pass out or have seizures. Your kidneys and other organs may not work properly, and this may lead to death. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about these and other risks of short bowel syndrome.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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