Other terms
- Skin Cancer
- Skin Grafting
- Skin Lesion
- Skin Tag
- Source Data Verification (SDV)
- Source Document
- Spider Veins
- Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
- Spinal Cord Ischemia
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
- Stable Angina
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs)
Short Bowel Syndrome
What is Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)? Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition characterized by the inadequate absorption of nutrients usually taken up by the small intestine due to it being missing or nonfunctional. This commonly includes the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and bile acids.
Although short bowel syndrome has several etiologies, it is an uncommon condition, and the rates of prevalence vary by cause and geography. However, data have demonstrated a doubling in the number of cases in the past 40 years.
SBS is a serious disease with life-changing consequences. Most patients require specialized nutritional and continuous medical support. There is also a significantly increased rate of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality.
What Causes Short Bowel Syndrome?
- Surgical resection is the most common cause of SBS as a result of intestinal obstruction, trauma, or tumor removal.
- Congenital defects, including intestinal atresia and gastroschisis.
- Intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, mesenteric ischemia, and radiation enteritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Short Bowel Syndrome
- Steatorrhea
- Weight loss
- Anemia
- Weakness and fatigue
- Osteoporosis
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities
Source: Massironi, S., Cavalcoli, F., Rausa, E., Invernizzi, P., Braga, M., & Vecchi, M. (2020). Understanding short bowel syndrome: Current status and future perspectives. Digestive and Liver Disease, 52(3), 253–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2019.11.013
