Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut)

What is Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut)?

Short bowel syndrome (short gut) is most often due to a birth defect or due to surgical removal of part of the bowel. Children with short bowel syndrome cannot get enough water, vitamins, and other nutrients from food to thrive. 

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut)?

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (due to malabsorption)
• Poor growth (failure to thrive)
• Vomiting

How is Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut) diagnosed?

A series of tests can help doctors diagnose short bowel syndrome. Children will have their medical history rechecked and get another physical exam. Your child’s doctor may also use a combination of the following tests:

• Blood tests, which determine nutrient levels absorbed in the bloodstream
• Imaging to determine the length of bowel 
• Stool tests to aid in determining bowel function 

Our intestinal rehab specialists will determine your child’s treatment plan through medical, surgical, and nutritional evaluations.

What are the causes of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut)?

In newborns

• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Gastroschisis 
• Intestinal atresias
• Meconium ileus

In older children

• Crohn’s disease
• Midgut volvulus
• Intestinal injury from trauma
• Intussusception

How is Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (Short Gut) treated?

Treatment for short bowel syndrome depends on how much of the bowel is missing. Your child’s doctor may recommend changes to his dietary regimen, such as:

• Enteral nutrition - nutrition provided through a tube that is surgically inserted into the stomach
• Parenteral nutrition - nutrition provided through an IV

Additional support may include:

• Feeding therapy
• Surgical procedures to enhance bowel absorption

In some cases, medications may be used to treat diarrhea and to slow down the movement of the intestine so it will have more time to absorb water and nutrients.