For Families

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) in children is a condition where the body cannot absorb enough nutrients and fluids because a significant portion of the small intestine is missing or not working properly. This usually happens after surgery to remove part of the intestine, and less commonly from birth defects.

The small intestine is the body’s main organ for absorbing nutrients and water. When a child does not have enough healthy intestine, they may struggle with dehydration, poor growth, and malnutrition.

Main Causes in Children

• Congenital conditions – Some children are born with a short intestine or intestinal defects that require surgery (e.g., intestinal atresia, gastroschisis).
• Surgery after disease or injury – The most common reason is removal of bowel following illnesses such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), midgut volvulus (twisting of the bowel), or trauma.
• Other rarer causes – Such as Hirschsprung disease, severe infections, or blood clots affecting the intestine.

Symptoms and Common Problems

Children with SBS may experience:

• Diarrhea or loose, foul-smelling stools
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or excess gas
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Poor weight gain and growth (“failure to thrive”)
• Fatigue and vitamin/mineral deficiencies

Why Is SBS Serious?

Because the small intestine is responsible for absorbing nearly all nutrients and fluids, children with SBS face challenges in getting enough nutrition for normal growth and development. This can lead to:

• Chronic malnutrition and weight loss
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Greater risk of infections
• The need for intravenous (IV) nutrition and specialized medical support

The Path Forward

Although SBS is serious, children are resilient. With expert care, many can achieve healthy growth and independence from IV nutrition. Treatment requires a team approach—including pediatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, dietitians, nurses, and therapists—all working together to give children the best chance at thriving.

How We Help Your Child Grow and Thrive

Children with short bowel syndrome need more than just medical treatment — they need a plan for growth, development, and everyday life. Our team is dedicated to helping your child not only survive, but truly thrive.

A Multidisciplinary Team Working Together

At Sidra Medicine, care is delivered by a coordinated team of specialists who understand the complexity of short bowel syndrome. Your child’s care team may include:

• Pediatric surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Dietitians and nutrition experts
• Specialized nurses and pharmacists
• Social workers, child-life specialists, and therapists

By working together, this team designs a personalized plan for your child, ensuring that every aspect of growth, health, and family life is supported.

Nutrition and Intestinal Rehabilitation

Nutrition is the foundation of care for children with SBS. Our goal is to help your child receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth:

• Optimized Feeding Plans – Customized diets and nutrition strategies designed for your child’s needs.
• Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition – Some children may require IV (parenteral) nutrition or tube feeds. Over time, we guide them toward oral feeding as the intestine adapts.
• Supporting Intestinal Adaptation – The remaining bowel can learn to absorb more nutrients. We use therapies and techniques to encourage this natural process, reducing long-term dependence on IV nutrition.

Tailored Medical and Surgical Treatments

• Medications – To manage diarrhea, improve digestion, and protect the intestine.
• Advanced Surgery – When needed, our surgeons perform innovative procedures to lengthen or reshape the intestine, improving absorption and function.
• Infection Prevention – Children with SBS are more vulnerable to infections, so we provide evidence-based strategies to keep them safe.

Family-Centered Support

Caring for a child with SBS can feel overwhelming, but families are never alone in this journey:

• Education & Training – We teach families practical skills such as line care, feeding techniques, and managing nutrition at home.
• Emotional & Social Support – Counselors, support staff, and peer connections help families cope with the challenges and celebrate the victories along the way.

Our Commitment

By combining medical expertise, nutrition science, innovative therapies, and whole-family support, we partner with you every step of the way. Our mission is simple: to give your child the best chance to grow, learn, and thrive.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

We aim to make your first visit as informative and comforting as possible:

1. Warm Welcome & Initial Assessment
   You’ll meet a pediatric specialist along with nursing and nutritional staff. We’ll review your child’s medical history, current nutrition, growth, and any challenges you’re facing.
2. Diagnostic Guidelines & Honest Communication
   We may request blood tests, imaging, or feeding evaluations to understand your child’s digestive function and nutrient absorption.
3. Collaborative Care Planning
   We’ll discuss short- and long-term plans—this may include fluid and nutrition strategies, potential medications, and your unique goals for growth and quality of life.
4. Education & Family Support
   Expect clear guidance on feeding techniques, managing IV nutrition, and navigating home care routines. Access to emotional and peer support will also be provided.
5. Next Steps & Ongoing Access
   We’ll lay out a follow-up plan, point you to helpful resources, and ensure you have a direct line to our care team for questions, emergencies, or guidance.

These organizations provide downloadable PDF resources, webinar recordings, checklists, and printable guides—much more than just website articles—covering all core aspects requested: nutrition, central line care, infection prevention, liver health, and managing home PN.