Do you know about short bowel syndrome?

"Short bowel syndrome usually occurs when most of the small bowel is surgically removed due to disease or injury." Some ostomy patients may also have what's called short bowel syndrome (SBS). This article will introduce you to short bowel syndrome, so let's take a look at it with me.

Here's a short bowel syndrome story from Karen :

Karen, 55, had her appendix removed at age 4, another small bowel fistula at 27, and finally a hysterectomy at 40. Been experiencing severe abdominal surgery pain for years and later infection in the abdominal wound. His temperature soared and he was rushed to the hospital. Examination revealed multiple fistulas in the small intestine, and severe sepsis infection. She was diagnosed with SBS in 2014 and underwent an ileostomy after discharge, during which she was infused with TPN. Later, her infectious disease doctor recommended a very suitable gastroenterologist. The doctor based her case evaluation on effective treatment. To help monitor Karen's health, Karen keeps track of her bowel movements, medication times, daily activities, and the food she eats every day. After seeing a gastroenterologist every two months, it took eight years before returning to a normal life.

What is short bowel syndrome?

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a serious chronic disease. After the small intestine is widely removed, it is a disease of malabsorption of nutrients caused by the reduction of the effective absorption area of the intestine. SBS is the result of physical loss and functional deficits in a portion of the small intestine (also known as the bowel), primarily due to surgical resection. A related disorder of intestinal failure that results in an inability to absorb adequate nutrients and fluids from the diet, common causes of SBS in adults include Crohn's disease, vascular events, complications of bariatric surgery, and trauma. Common pediatric causes of SBS include necrotizing enterocolitis, midgut volvulus, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, and malrotation.

How is Short Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of SBS is based on a complete history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and evaluation of surgical reports.

How is short bowel syndrome treated?

Management options for SBS are patient-specific and complex. Many factors determine the location, length, and function of the remaining bowel after surgery. Management plans may change over time. Treatment providers, often with the help of a registered dietitian or certified nutrition support clinician, develop a plan that is best for each patient.

If you have SBS, you may have difficulty absorbing the right amount of nutrients and fluids from your diet. That's why the main treatment goal is to make sure you get the nutrients and fluids you need (including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals). Meanwhile, your provider will focus on symptom management using a variety of therapies.

Some patients who cannot maintain adequate nutrition and hydration by mouth may rely on intravenous nutrition (IV) and hydration. This is often called parenteral support (PS) or parenteral nutrition (PN). IV access needs to be established with a special IV that can be retained for a long time. PS or PN is usually given only at bedtime to allow the patient to carry out normal activities during the day.

Short bowel syndrome stoma recommendations :

① Diet step by step

Eating should be gradual so that there is no vomiting, no abdominal distension, and smooth bowel movements after eating. Taboo cold, hot, spicy, greasy, rough, and hard food. Eat small, frequent meals, and eat regularly.

②Add water

Pay attention to replenishing water in time. You should not be afraid to drink water because you are worried about stoma leakage, but you should not drink a lot in a short period of time to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

③ Regular inspection

In the case of short bowel syndrome, it is necessary to regularly detect blood electrolytes, and timely supplement nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and various vitamins and other nutrients. In order to avoid the situation of low potassium and low sodium.

For more information on Innomed® ostomy pouch, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly.

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Editor: kiki Jia

Date: October 14, 2022