Management of Care
Nutritional support, therapies, and strategies for living with Short Bowel Syndrome
Short Bowel Syndrome care is highly individualized. Successful management usually focuses on three goals: correct nutritional deficiencies, stabilize fluid balance, and promote intestinal adaptation—always guided by your specialized care team.
Small, frequent meals
Often 6–8 smaller meals per day to reduce dumping, slow transit, and help control diarrhea—follow your dietitian’s plan.
Nutrient-dense choices
Emphasis is often on lean proteins, complex carbs, and appropriate fats, while limiting simple sugars that can worsen diarrhea.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Solutions with balanced salt/sugar ratios often work better than plain water or typical sports drinks for SBS-related fluid loss.
Lab monitoring
Regular bloodwork helps track sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other values to prevent serious complications.
Anti-diarrheals
May slow transit so remaining bowel has more time to absorb.
Bile acid sequestrants
May help when the ileum is missing and bile salts irritate the colon.
GATTEX® (teduglutide)
A GLP-2 analog that may support adaptation and help reduce PN dependence in selected patients.
STEP / LIFT procedures
Bowel-lengthening approaches that may slow transit and improve absorption in selected patients.
Intestinal transplant
Considered for irreversible intestinal failure with life-threatening PN complications—evaluated at specialized centers.
Gastroenterologist
Motility, labs, oversight
GI surgeon
Lengthening & transplant evaluation
Specialized dietitian
PN formulas & meal planning
Emotional support matters
Living with SBS and intensive nutrition therapies carries a real emotional toll. Peer support and counseling help patients and families navigate the journey.
This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult your gastroenterologist or specialized care team before making changes to treatment, diet, or therapy.