ABSTRACT
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a consequence of intestinal loss or resection [1] that frequently necessitates a surgically placed opening in the intestine for the drainage of luminal contents to the skin that is called an ostomy or stoma. A proximal intestinal ostomy may be present along with a distal portion of “defunctionalized” bowel that is not in continuity. If the defunctioned portion of the intestine is brought out to the skin it is termed a mucous —stula. The amount of time a patient has a stoma or stomas is dependent upon a series of factors including the underlying disease process, general physical condition, and extent of bowel adaptation. Intestinal function is generally improved by reanastomosis (reconnection) of the bowel [2].
