When a significant length of the intestinal tract is
removed, short bowel syndrome is the result. SBS is characterized by inefficient
absorption of nutrients and fluids. The severity of the condition is determined
by the amount of bowel removed and the type and length of the remaining
bowel, as well as the condition of the remaining bowel and digestive organs,
and the presence or absence of the ileocecal valve. The ileum is better
able to take over the functions of the jejunum than when the situation
is reversed. This is because the important digestive function of absorption
of fats, bile salts, and vitamin B12 takes place in the ileum. After bowel
surgery, a process called intestinal
adaptation occurs in which the remaining bowel improves its ability
to absorb nutrients by an increase in its surface area and in the absorptive
capacity of individual cells in the intestine and colon. This process
begins immediately after intestinal surgery and continues for up to two
years.
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.
