To understand short bowel syndrome (SBS) - what causes it, its associated complications, and how it is treated - it is important to understand the anatomy and function of the GI tract in general and the small intestine (small bowel) and colon (large bowel or large intestine) in particular.

	Gastrointestinal (GI) Physiology - Normal Digestive Process in the Lower GI Tract
	- Anatomy   -  The Small Intestine   -  The Colon - Physiologic Process   -  Motility   -  Secretion   -  Digestion   -  Absorption   -  Elimination - Gastrointestinal (GI) Function

Several factors can affect the ability of the gut to absorb nutrients and fluids.

	Factors Influencing Digestive Process in a Patient with SBS
	- Extent of the Intestine Removed - Site of Intestine Removed - Ileocecal Valve - Intestinal Adaptation

Short Bowel Syndrome patients can experience complications due to their condition and the treatment.

	Chronic Complications
	- Bacterial Overgrowth - Diarrhea   -  Cholerrheic Diarrhea   -  Steatorrhea   -  Osmotic Diarrhea - Nutritional Deficiencies   -  Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies   - Vitamin B12 - Calcium and Magnesium   -  Cholestasis

Depending on patient needs, physicians of SBS patients choose from a number of different common types of treatment.

	Common Therapies
	- Nutritional Therapy   - Early Postoperative Stage   - Gradual transition to continuous enteral feeding   - Progression to Conventional Foods   - Ongoing Management of the Complications of SBS   - Vitamin and Mineral Supplements - Drug Therapies   - Diarrhea   - Gastric Hyper Secretion   - Pancreatic Enzymes - Surgical Therapy   - Nontransplant Operations   - Transplantation

Managing SBS can be challenging. Any good management program starts with education.

Managing SBS