What are the treatments for the condition?

Diet is the primary treatment for short bowel syndrome. A person must take in at least 2500 calories per day through a diet containing mostly complex carbohydrates and protein. A low-fat diet helps reduce diarrhea. Some medications, such as loperamide, also help control the diarrhea.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are often needed, especially vitamin B12 and folate. Calcium and iron supplements may be needed. A bile salt-binding medication, such as cholestyramine, is often given to help control symptoms.

Some people with this condition produce too much stomach acid. This can further decrease digestion. Medications such as omeprazole or ranitidine can be used to help reduce the amount of stomach acid.

Other medications and supplements may also be needed in some cases. Some people need what is called total parenteral nutrition, or hyperalimentation. This is a procedure in which calories and needed nutrients, including protein and fat, are given through an intravenous line, or IV. A small bowel transplant is now used in some severe cases.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Most of the dietary changes used to treat this condition have no specific side effects.

The most common side effects of the medications used to reduce stomach acid include:

Other medications also have possible side effects, which depend on the specific medication used.

The use of an intravenous line to deliver nutrition may cause infection and bleeding. Giving nutritional support through an intravenous line over a long period time increases the risk of death due to liver disease. Severe infection of the blood from an intravenous line contaminated by bacteria may also occur.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Most individuals with short bowel syndrome need lifelong treatment.

How is the condition monitored?

There is no specific lab test to monitor short bowel syndrome. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.