Short Bowel Syndrome

Overview

Short bowel syndrome occurs when the small bowel can't absorb enough nutrients from food because most of the bowel is missing, either due to surgery or to a defect present at birth. You may experience dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, abnormal stools and exhaustion. Special diets, mineral and vitamin supplements, and medication can help control these symptoms.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for short bowel syndrome

• Experience. Each year, Mayo Clinic doctors diagnose and treat hundreds of people with short bowel syndrome.
• Expertise. Many people with short bowel syndrome need nutritional support (tube or intravenous feeding) at least initially. Mayo has extensive home nutritional support programs. Mayo doctors also have experience weaning people off tube and intravenous nutrition when appropriate.
• Research leader. Mayo Clinic has long been active in short bowel syndrome research. You may have access to experimental treatments being studied.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

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