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Short bowel syndrome

Last reviewed: 3 Apr 2025
Last updated: 29 Jun 2022

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • weight loss
  • diarrhea
  • volume depletion
  • peripheral or presacral edema
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • fatigue
  • postprandial epigastric or right upper quadrant abdominal pain
  • dysuria or renal colic
  • abnormal neurologic examination
  • jaundice and pruritus
  • dermatologic signs
  • night blindness
  • motor weakness or altered gait
  • proximal muscle weakness
  • excessive bleeding
  • confusion
Full details

Risk factors

  • bowel resection
  • extensive abdominal radiation injury
  • gastroschisis
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • CBC
  • serum electrolytes
  • BUN and creatinine
  • serum albumin
  • serum calcium, zinc, selenium, folate
  • vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E
  • methylmalonic acid (MMA)
  • INR
Full details

Tests to consider

  • serum hepatic aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (total and direct)
  • urine analysis
  • serum D-lactate
  • fecal fat quantification
  • upper gastrointestinal contrast series
  • Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan
  • abdominal ultrasound
  • CT abdomen
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

jejunoileocolic anastomosis

jejunoileal anastomosis with fully resected colon

end jejunostomy or duodenostomy

ONGOING

all patients

Contributors

Authors

Alan Buchman, MD, MSPH, FACP, FACG, FACN, AGAF
Alan Buchman

Medical Director, Gastroenterology

Anthem Health

Indianapolis

IN

Disclosures

AB is an author of references cited in this topic.

Acknowledgements

Dr Alan Buchman would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Michael Roth, a previous contributor to this topic. MR is an author of a reference cited in this topic.

Peer reviewers

Marian F. Winkler, PhD RD

Professor of Surgery

Surgical Nutrition Specialist

Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital

Providence

RI

Disclosures

MFW declares that she has no competing interests.

Jonathan Shaffer, MBBS

Hospital Dean

Intestinal Failure Unit

Hope Hospital

Salford

Manchester

UK

Disclosures

Not disclosed. JS is the author of references cited in this topic.

References

Our in-house evidence and editorial teams collaborate with international expert contributors and peer reviewers to ensure that we provide access to the most clinically relevant information possible.

Key articles

Pironi L, Arends J, Baxter J, et al. ESPEN endorsed recommendations. Definition and classification of intestinal failure in adults. Clin Nutr. 2015 Apr;34(2):171-80.Full text  Abstract

Cuerda C, Pironi L, Arends J, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: clinical nutrition in chronic intestinal failure. Clin Nutr. 2021 Sep;40(9):5196-220.Full text  Abstract

Buchman AL. Short bowel syndrome. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's gastrointestinal and liver disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2020.

Buchman AL, Scolapio J, Fryer J. AGA technical review on short bowel syndrome and intestinal transplantation. Gastroenterology. 2003 Apr;124(4):1111-34.Full text  Abstract

Nightingale JM, Lennard-Jones JE, Gertner DJ, et al. Colonic preservation reduces need for parenteral therapy, increases incidence of renal stones, but does not change high prevalence of gallstones in patients with a short bowel. Gut. 1992 Nov;33(11):1493-7. Abstract

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
  • Differentials

    • Active Crohn disease
    • Celiac disease
    • Small bowel malignancy
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • ESPEN guidelines on clinical nutrition in chronic intestinal failure
    • ESPEN guidelines on home parenteral nutrition
    More Guidelines
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