Short Bowel Syndrome

You may have been told you have short bowel because you have had a large amount of your short bowel removed. You need your short bowel to assist in the absorption of nutrients and fluids from what you eat and drink. When you have a shortened bowel there is less surface area and less time to absorb food. Overtime this may result in  you feeling dehydrated and malnourished due to the in-ability to absorb required nutrients. If this occurs, then you may have 'short bowel syndrome.'

Short Bowel Syndrome occurs after extensive surgery which involves removing most if not all your small intestine. You may therefore require parenteral support to keep you hydrated and give you nutrition.