Causes of Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)

Short Bowel Syndrome is medically classified as a form of Intestinal Failure. It occurs when the body lacks enough functioning small intestine to absorb the fluids and nutrients necessary to sustain life.

While SBS can occasionally occur in individuals born with a complete bowel that simply does not function properly, the vast majority of cases develop following a surgical resection.

🧩 What is a Surgical Resection?

A surgical resection is a procedure where a diseased, damaged, or non-functioning portion of the bowel is surgically removed from the abdomen, and the two remaining healthy ends are joined back together (anastomosis).

The Two Main Categories of SBS

The underlying conditions that lead to surgical resection and subsequent SBS generally fall into two distinct categories:

Congenital Defects: Conditions present at birth that affect the development or health of the bowel.
Acquired Conditions: Diseases, blockages, or injuries that develop over time in adulthood.

👶 Conditions in Newborns & Pediatrics That May Cause SBS

In infants and pediatric patients, SBS is typically the result of congenital anomalies or severe neonatal intestinal infections. Common pediatric catalysts include:

🧑 Conditions in Adulthood That May Lead to SBS

In adults, SBS usually develops later in life due to chronic inflammatory diseases, sudden vascular accidents, or physical trauma. Common adult catalysts include:

Crohn’s Disease
Intestinal Ischemia (Loss of blood flow to the vessels supplying the bowel)
Pseudo-obstruction
Trauma (Including severe physical injury or surgical complications)
Tumors (Requiring large-scale removal of the surrounding bowel)

🌐 Learn More & Find Support

If you or a loved one has undergone a bowel resection due to any of these conditions, the Short Bowel Syndrome Foundation is here to help you navigate your recovery, nutritional management, and daily life.

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