Complications of short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome is the commonest 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 i.e. a process whereby the shorter length of bowel is able to achieve complete function as if the entire length of bowel is present. With advances in management, the majority of children with short bowel syndrome are able to discontinue PN and establish on full enteral feeds. This article mainly focuses on the complications of short bowel syndrome that need to be avoided in order for intestinal adaptation to progress and the child to be established on enteral feeds/oral diet.