Based on the latest definition,
short bowel syndrome is defined as
intestinal failure due to the loss of significant small bowel length or function, when the homeostasis and growth can only be maintained with intravenous supplementation of fluid,
electrolytes and macronutrients. The natural adaptation of the short bowel can only compensate for the loss up to a certain level. According to this, we differentiate (1) acute, (2) prolonged and (3) chronic types of
intestinal failure/
short bowel syndrome. The most common causes are necrotising enterocolits, intestinal malrotation and
volvulus,
gastroschisis and ileal atresia. The management of type 3
short bowel syndrome has evolved significantly during the last decades, due to the multidisciplinary approach, hence the survival and quality of life of the patients have improved and
transplantation is rarely necessary. Our aim was to review the most important considerations of intestinal rehabilitation, like management of increased
gastrin secretion, high output stoma, decreased transit time, central venous lines, enteral and
parenteral nutrition and the enhancement of the natural adaptation. We reviewed the former and the latest options of the autologous intestinal reconstructive surgery (AIRS) like the reversed segment, small bowel interposition, ileocaecal valve replacement, bowel lengthening and tailoring (LILT, STEP and SILT), controlled bowel expansion and the latest results with distraction enterogenesis and tissue engineering. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(7): 243-251.