Concise review on short bowel syndrome: Etiology, pathophysiology, and management

Abstract

Adults have approximately 20 feet of small intestine, which is the primary site for absorbing essential nutrients and water. Resection of the intestine for any medical reason may result in short bowel syndrome (SBS), leading to loss of major absorptive surface area and resulting in various malabsorption and motility disorders. The mainstay of treatment is personalized close dietary management. Here we present SBS with its pathophysiology and different nutritional management options available. The central perspective of this paper is to provide a concise review of SBS and the treatment options available, along with how proper nutrition can solve major dietary issues in SBS and help patients recover faster.

Keywords: Short bowel; Small bowel resection; Malabsorption; Nutrition; Intestinal transplantation

Core Tip: This is a very informative review about the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of short bowel syndrome (SBS) with newer treatment options based on extensive literature review and expert opinion. The review details significant stages in short bowel syndrome, especially the process of intestinal adaptation. This paper provides detailed information regarding the preferred nutritional management of patients with different types of SBS during different stages of the disease.