Intestinal Rehab

Intestinal Failure vs. Intestinal Rehab

Intestinal Failure

Intestinal failure results when individuals have an inadequate length of functioning intestinal surface area to digest and absorb necessary fluids, electrolytes and nutrients. This results in the patient's dependence hydration or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The principle cause of intestinal failure is short bowel syndrome, in which a large portion of the small intestine has been removed. In adults this may be caused by mesenteric thrombosis, Crohn's disease, trauma or volvulus. In children the most common causes are necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), volvulus and gastroschisis.

Intestinal failure may also result from small intestine that has abnormal motility, abnormal absorption or both. Pseudo-obstruction, radiation enteritis and microvillus inclusion disease are some examples of diagnoses contributing to intestinal failure related to dysmotility and malabsorption.

Intestinal failure patients are at risk for developing serious complications related to the use of TPN. Bone disorders, central line infections and liver disease may all result from prolonged use of TPN. Although these complications may be prevented through medication, close monitoring of labs and adjustment to TPN, they may not always be prevented. The goal of intestinal rehabilitation is to help patients optimize the function of the remaining bowel in an attempt to help improve their quality of life.

Intestinal Rehabilitation

Intestinal rehabilitation refers to the process of optimizing bowel function so as to allow freedom from parenteral nutrition. The primary goal of the program is to eliminate or prevent the need for coartificial means of providing nutrition. The multi-disciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Program team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides comprehensive, individualized care utilizing state-of-the-art dietary, medical and, occasionally, surgical methods to achieve its goal. Our patients include: patients who struggle to maintain weight, hydration and nutritional status without relying on intravenous support; patients who require specialized tube feedings for fluid or nutrients; patients who need to reduce diarrhea and control the volume of stool output; and patients with intestinal failure secondary to factors listed above.