ABSTRACT
The child with short bowel presents a difficult, complex, multifaceted problem that requires close cooperation between the local team and a designated ‘intestinal failure center’ combining particularly pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction, and liver and bowel transplantation. Immediately at diagnosis, a ‘management plan’ is jointly developed, initially concentrating on survival and growth, liver protection, and preservation of venous access. Once stable, the child is best managed within his or her family and social environment, being hospitalized only for specific assessments or procedures.
