J Multidiscip Healthc. 2020 Jan 9;13:9-17. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S236130.eCollection 2020.

Christina Belza ¹, Paul W Wales ^1 2

Author information

• ¹Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
• ²Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Abstract

Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) remains a complex and devastating condition resulting in the inability of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb adequate fluids and nutrients to sustain life. The goal in the management of IF is to achieve enteral autonomy and when not possible to avoid and minimize the development of long-term complications. Survival rates for children with IF have continued to improve resulting in an increased population of children with more altered anatomy. While IF remains a rare disease, children with IF secondary to ultrashort bowel syndrome comprise an even smaller patient population. The goal of this article is to review the recent literature related to the impact of multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRPs) on the management and outcomes of intestinal failure in children with ultrashort bowel syndrome and potential avenues to further improve the long-term outcomes of this patient population.