Beyond Basics
Factors Influencing Digestive Process In A Patient With SBS
Extent of the Intestine Removed
The estimated average length of the small intestine,
including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, is approximately 6 meters
(about 20 feet). The duodenum is short, usually 25 centimeters (10 to
12 inches). The jejunum is approximately 40% of the total length, and
the ileum is 60% of the small intestine. The major consequence of intestinal
resection is the loss of absorptive surface area in the small intestine.
In adults, the resection of 40% to 50% of the total length of the small
intestine is usually well tolerated. If the resection involves 50% to
75% of the small intestine, a special diet and nutritional supplements,
along with medication to enhance intestinal absorption are usually required.
When more than 75% of the small intestine is resected, patients often
require prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN is a way of providing
nutrition intravenously to a patient who cannot tolerate food orally.
The functional ability of the remaining intestine to absorb nutrients,
as well as the length of the remaining intestine, affect the degree of
nutritional support needed after surgery.
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.
