Beyond Basics
Factors that Influence the Digestive Process in a Patient with SBS
Diseases that affect the ability of the GI tract to
absorb nutrients and water can have severe consequences for those who
suffer from them. Overall health can decline as a result of nutritional
deficiencies, and quality of life can be negatively affected in many ways.
There are several conditions that might necessitate resection (surgical
removal) of a portion of the small intestine, including Crohn's disease,
malignancy, radiation or chemotherapy,
and vascular insufficiency.
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a term that describes
several metabolic and physiological impairments that result from the loss
of small intestine functions, either as a result of surgery or due to
disease in the remaining intestine. Malabsorption of both macronutrients
(proteins, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace
elements) is common, and electrolyte losses are also a complicating factor
in SBS. Complications of SBS include chronic diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte
imbalance, and malnutrition. Clinical symptoms include weakness, fatigue,
depression, weight loss, and bacterial infections.
The consequences of removing a major portion of the
small intestine are variable and depend on several factors, including
the extent of the resection, the site of the resection, the condition
of the remaining intestine, the presence or absence of the ileocecal valve,
and intestinal adaptation. Resection of the same portion and length of
small intestine in two different people might result in SBS in one person,
but not in the other.
This information
is provided as a general educational service
and is not intended to recommend any particular treatment plan
or to replace the advice of physicians. It is important that patients
seek and rely on the advice of a healthcare professional
about their individual medical conditions.
