Short bowel syndrome (patient information)
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Short bowel syndrome |
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Short bowel syndrome On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed (malabsorption) because a large part of the small intestine is missing or has been surgically removed.
What are the symptoms of short bowel syndrome?
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Pale, greasy stools
- Swelling (edema), especially of the legs
- Very foul-smelling stools
- Weight loss
What causes short bowel syndrome?
When areas of the small intestine are removed by surgery, or they are missing due to a birth defect (congenital defect), there may not be enough surface area left in the remaining bowel to absorb enough nutrients from food.
This condition is likely to develop when one-half or more of the bowel is removed during surgery.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors include diseases of the small intestine that may require surgery, such as Crohn's disease. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a common cause of short bowel syndrome in infants.
Diagnosis
The following exams and tests may be used to help diagnose short bowel syndrome.
- Blood chemistry tests (such as albumin level)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Fecal fat test
- Small intestine x-ray
- Vitamin levels in the blood
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for short bowel syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition