Short bowel syndrome: treatment options

Abstract

Introduction Short bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the malabsorptive state that occurs following extensive intestinal resection and is associated with several complications. Methods The research for this review was conducted in the Pubmed database. Relevant scientific articles dated between 1991 and 2015 and written in Portuguese, Spanish or English were selected. Results Several therapies, including nutritional support, pharmacological options and surgical procedures have been used in these patients. Conclusions Over the last decades new surgical and pharmacological approaches emerged, increasing survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with SBS. All SBS patients ought to have an individualized and multidisciplinary care that promotes intestinal rehabilitation.

Restricted v. unrestricted oral intake in high output end-jejunostomy patients referred to reconstructive surgery

“…Optimal treatment of the patient with a high-output jejunostomy is a multidirectional task that requires specific knowledge and clinical experience (5,11,14,35) . Pharmacological agents (such as H2-receptor antagonists, racecadotril, proton pump inhibitors) are helpful to decrease gastric and consequently intestinal secretion (3,35,36) . Oral rehydration with the use of ORS (oral rehydration solutions), such as St. Mark's solution (sodium chloride 3•5 g, sodium bicarbonate 2•5 g, glucose 20 g, water 1 litre) seems to be more effective than drinking water, as their higher Na content leads to less stimulation of GI secretion than from water.…”