Short Bowel Syndrome - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Whom should I consult for short bowel syndrome?

A: Children born with this condition will first be seen by their pediatricians who can give them guidance on how to manage the condition. Adults with this condition have to consult their gastroenterologist.

Q: How common is short bowel syndrome?

A: Short bowel syndrome is a rare condition. It affects three out of every million.

Q: Can short bowel syndrome be prevented?

A: Ways to prevent short bowel syndrome have still not been discovered. Studies are going on.

Q: What is the prognosis of short bowel syndrome?

A: Life expectancy of infants having short bowel syndrome is on an average 4 to 5 years. Life expectancy of adults depends on the rate of responsiveness to treatment which depends on the length and level of the functional capacity of the small intestine remaining.

Q: Can short bowel syndrome be cured?

A: There is no cure for short bowel syndrome but it can be symptomatically managed.

Q: What are the indications of short bowel syndrome?

A: 

Complications of parenteral nutrition. Liver cirrhosis due to parenteral nutrition. Progressively compromised vascular access for parenteral feeding. Recurrent central line sepsis.

Q: What diet is recommended in short bowel syndrome patients?

A: 

In most short bowel syndrome patients, the colon is intact. Dietary guidelines for such patients are low fat, high carbohydrate diet. Small frequent meals, 6 to 8 per day are recommended. Fluids need to be taken in between meals. Highly concentrated sweet foods and liquids should be avoided. Caffeine intake should be limited. Salty meals and fiber supplement with a probiotic, multivitamin and mineral supplements are advised.