Articles
Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome is a term used for the malabsorption of nutrients that can occur after surgical removal of an area of the small intestine, or due to intestinal disease. The degree of malabsorption, and what nutrients are malabsorbed will differ depending on the area diseased or the area removed. Approximately half of the small intestine can be removed or diseased before malabsorption becomes an issue.
The small intestine is made up of different sections, the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and terminal ileum. The type of nutrients absorbed from each section differs. Your dietitian can help you determine what nutrients you may be lacking.
Duodenum
• Food is mixed with digestive enzymes
Jejunum & Ileum
• Food broken down & absorbed.
• Absorption of carbohydrates for energy.
• Absorption of fat for energy and storage
• Absorption of protein for body building
• Absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium
Terminal Ileum
• Absorption of bile needed for the breakdown of fat.
• Absorption of B12
Effects of Malabsorption
Short bowel can lead to deficiencies in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and vitamin B12. This can lead to a variety of problems.
• Loss of weight
• Anaemia
• Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased immunity
• Strange sensations in the skin
• Skin rashes
• Dehydration
• Impaired growth in children
Symptoms of Short Bowel
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Foul smelling stools
• Floating stools
• Excess fluid retained
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
Intestinal Adaptation
The small intestine has an amazing ability to recover and adapt and recover after surgery or disease. When the unhealthy sections are removed, the healthy sections are re-joined, and the whole organ dilates and grows bigger to accommodate the loss. This will take time, so it is important to monitor any signs of short bowel syndrome, and discuss these with your doctor and dietitian.
In some cases, the issues of short bowel may not resolve and may need life long treatment. It is important to discuss any diet changes or the use of vitamin and mineral supplements with your dietitian.
Added to site on : Saturday, 29 May 2010