ABSTRACT
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a chronic malabsorptive state generally resulting from extensive small bowel resections, congenital defects, or disease-associated loss of absorption (Table 4.1). The syndrome can be further classi˜ed as anatomical or functional; the end results are the same. The clinical symptomatology consists of diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, dysmotility, and bowel dilatation, and is characterized by the inability to maintain protein-energy, Žuid, electrolyte, or micronutrient balances when on a conventionally accepted, normal diet [1]. The type and severity of the malabsorption is determined by the extent and location of the surgical resection, the presence or absence of the colon, the health of the remaining mucosa, and the ability of the remnant bowel to adapt over time [2]. The goal of treatment for SBS is to improve absorption, minimize or eliminate dependence on parenteral nutrition (PN), and improve the quality of life.
