ABSTRACT
S hort bowel syndrome (SBS) is a chronic state o f malabsorption that occurs after substantial resection o f the small intestine. Necrotizing enterocolitis is the leading cause o f SBS in anatomically normal neonates. Due to the extensive loss o f absorptive surface area and subsequent malabsorption, the clinical course o f patients is often compli cated by diarrhea, metabolic abnormalities and malnutrition. Although it is a functional definition, the degree o f symptoms depends on the length, unique function and adaptive capacity o f the remaining small intestine.
