Short Gut Syndrome Patient, Family & Professional Support Groups


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What is Short Gut Syndrome?

Short Gut Syndrome, or Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), is a condition in which the bowel is shorter than normal, typically 50 percent or less. As a result, the bowel does not have the necessary surface area to absorb the water, vitamins, and other nutrients necessary to sustain life.

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Why does the small intestine matter?

Located between the stomach and large intestine, the small intestine does the majority of the work of digesting food and absorbing nutrients. It is made up of three sections, each of which performs a specific function and absorbs specific nutrients. When large portions of the small intestine are missing or not functioning properly, the body can no longer adequately absorb water, vitamins or other nutrients.



What causes Short Gut Syndrome?

Short Gut Syndrome usually follows surgical intervention to remove damaged or dead intestinal tissue. In rare cases, it can also be congenital. Although the body adapts to bowel loss, the body cannot regenerate intestinal length. Segments that are lost do not regenerate. Below is a list of common conditions that can lead to Short Gut.

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What are the symptoms of Short Gut Syndrome?

Symptoms of Short Gut Syndrome generally are related to nutrition, hydration, and digestive function. The manifestation of these symptoms will vary, however, depending on what sections of intestine are missing, how much is missing, and how the remaining intestine functions.

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What are possible complications of Short Gut Syndrome?



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