Short Bowel Syndrome

Alternate Names : Short Bowel Malabsorption Syndrome

What can be done to prevent the condition?

People who have not had small bowel surgery are not at risk for this condition. Surgeons try to remove as little bowel as possible when doing surgery to prevent this condition.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Short bowel syndrome can lead to weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to malabsorption. Such deficiencies may include vitamin B12, folate, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. This can cause problems throughout the body, such as anemia, skin rashes, and abnormal sensations in the legs.

An individual with short bowel syndrome is also more likely to develop kidney stones and gallstones.

What are the risks to others?

Short bowel syndrome is not contagious and poses no risks to others.