Short bowel syndrome is a condition that prevents a person from digesting food and absorbing nutrients properly. It occurs when a large amount of the small intestine has been surgically removed or is affected by disease (such as Crohn's disease).
The main symptom of short bowel syndrome is watery diarrhea.
A person with short bowel syndrome usually needs a special diet along with vitamin and mineral supplements. Complications may include kidney stones, gallstones, and significant weight loss.
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated: October 9, 2008 | |
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