Print DiagnosisTo diagnose short bowel syndrome, your doctor may recommend blood or stool tests to measure nutrient levels. Other tests may include imaging procedures, such as an X-ray with a contrast material (barium X-ray), computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT or MR enterography, that can show obstructions or changes to the intestines. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your short bowel syndrome-related health concerns Start Here TreatmentYour treatment options for short bowel syndrome will depend on what parts of your small intestine are affected, whether your colon is intact and your own preferences. Short bowel syndrome treatment may include: Nutritional therapy. People with small bowel syndrome will need to follow a special diet and take nutritional supplements. Some people may need to get nutrition through a vein (parenteral nutrition) or a feeding tube (enteral nutrition) to prevent malnutrition. Medications. In addition to nutritional support, your doctor may recommend drugs to help manage short bowel syndrome, such as medications to help control stomach acid, reduce diarrhea or improve intestinal absorption after surgery. Surgery. Doctors may recommend surgery for children and adults with short bowel syndrome. Types of surgery include procedures to slow the passage of nutrients through the intestine or a procedure to lengthen the intestine (autologous gastrointestinal reconstruction), as well as small bowel transplantation (SBT). Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Short bowel syndrome care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Jan. 06, 2022 Print Show references Ferri FF. Short bowel syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2020. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2019. Kliegman RM, et al. Chronic diarrhea. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2019. Short bowel syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome. Accessed Nov. 18, 2019. Short bowel syndrome. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. https://www.iffgd.org/other-disorders/short-bowel-syndrome.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2019. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 14, 2019. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health Short bowel syndromeSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20213813 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Short bowel syndrome