Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and may include:

• A high-calorie diet that supplies essential vitamins and minerals, as well as certain types of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
• Some vitamins and minerals may need to be given by injection
• Treatment for anemia with vitamin B12, folic acid, and increased dietary iron
• Medications to slow down the normal movement of the intestine (lengthens the time nutrients spend in the small intestine)
• Tube feeding through a vein (parenteral nutrition), if normal feeding is not delivering enough nutrients (patients can sometimes return to normal eating once they have stabilized)

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition may improve over time if it occurs as a result of surgery. There may be a gradual improvement in nutrient absorption.

Complications:

• Degeneration of the nervous system caused by a lack of vitamin B12 (combined systems disease)
• Excess acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
• Gallstones
• Kidney stones
• Malnutrition
• Too much growth of bacteria
• Weakened bones
• Weight loss

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of short bowel syndrome, especially if you recently had bowel surgery.