Abstract

SOCARRAS SUAREZ, María Matilde; BOLET ASTOVIZA, Miriam  and  LARREA FABRA, Martha. Short bowel syndrome. Rev Cubana Cir [online]. 2004, vol.43, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2945.

Short bowel is associated with loss or dysfunction of the small bowel due to its resection, which causes diarrheas, accelerated intestinal transit, intestinal malabsorption and, eventually, weight loss ansd muscular waste. The objective of this paper was to update knowledge about this syndrome. A review of the short intestine topic is made, making reference to its definition, common and uncommon main cuases in the child and adult, how the bowel adapts itslef to resection of different extensions, and the functions of the terminal ileum. An initial clinical assessment is made with the medical questionnaire and a detailed review of the medical history to quantify the absorption capacity. The symptoms and signs of nutritional deficiency are dealt with. The strategies of the treatment consisting of 3 stages of clinical evolution are explained. It is concluded that the adequate diet therapy is indicated according to the nutritional state of the patient and the performed intestinal resections, preventing complications to achieve a maximum quality of life

Keywords : Short bowel; malabsorption; nutritional deficiency; diet therapy.