Lesson 12: Disease of the small and large intestine
Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed (malabsorption) due to severe intestinal disease or the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine.
Small intestinal resection leads to various clinical effects such as diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, malabsorption leading to malnutrition. Gastric motility is enhanced especially when resection of ilium is done. In such a case the colon receives a large load of fluids, electrolytes and bile salts and its ability to absorb salt and water is reduced leading to diarrhea. If colon is also resected, the ability to maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis is severely impaired.
Nutrient absorption is affected if the ilium is resected. Studies showed that fat and carbohydrates absorption are reduced up to 50-75% of intake. Absorption of minerals and vitamins are also affected. Over a period of time, the small bowel hyper-trophies and increases its absorptive function. This is an adaptive mechanism of the human body.
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