Short bowel syndrome

Disease Overview

Short bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized by malabsorption of nutrients due to problems involving the small intestine.[3373] The small intestine is the tube-shaped organ between the stomach and large intestine, which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, where most food digestion and nutrient absorption take place. The causes of short bowel syndrome in adults include Crohn disease, mesenteric ischemia, radiation enteritis, or surgical removal of half or more of the small intestine to treat intestinal diseases or injuries. In children the main causes include necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal atresias, and intestinal volvulus.[13519] Signs and symptoms may include diarrhea, cramping, bloating, heartburn, dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, food sensitivities, weakness, and fatigue. Examples of treatment include diet and nutritional support, intestinal surgeries, and, in some cases, intestinal transplantation.[3373]