Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome is a medical illness where intestinal resection reduces absorptive capacity requiring parenteral nutrition dependence and mineral supplementation (Modi et al., 2008). The pediatric patient with short bowel syndrome requires a greater effort in ensuring physical and nutritional needs are met to ensure adequate growth (Afolabi & Fairman, 2019). While there are many requirements of short bowel syndrome, most pediatric patients are discharged home with a central line, ostomy, and gastric feeding tube to assist with nutritional supplementation (O’Keefe et al., 2005). The treatment is rigorous and requires diligence in caring for the line to prevent central line blood associated infections, liver failure, skin breakdown, and failure to thrive (Modi et al., 2008).