Short bowel syndrome – surgical perspectives and outcomes

Short bowel syndrome is a rare but challenging problem. A functional definition of the condition is that the patient has insufficient bowel to enable absorption of adequate fluids and nutrients to sustain life and growth. Aetiology may be congenital – via multiple atresias or gastroschisis; or acquired secondary to NEC or malrotation and volvulus. Treatments such as parenteral nutrition, surgical bowel lengthening procedures and intestinal transplant have improved prognosis for these patients significantly over the last decade. However, serious nutritional and infective complications remain. A structured feeding programme and timely interventions will produce the best outcomes for this challenging group of patients.