Abstract

Intestinal failure refers to a condition that requires parenteral nutrition because of dysfunction of gut to absorb sufficient nutrients or fluid for normal growth and maintenance. The causes of intestinal failure are diverse and classified as either short bowel syndrome or motility disorder. Intestinal failure can be complicated to several categories of problems including small bowel bacterial overgrowth, intestinal failure-associated liver disease, malnutrition and metabolic problems, including electrolytes or trace elements deficiency, renal stone, metabolic bone disease or osteomalacia, central line-associated bloodstream infection, thrombosis of central venous catheter, and pulmonary embolism. A multidisciplinary team approach - medical, surgical, and nutritional management and transplantation - should be taken to prevent or control these various complications and to improve the outcome. (Surg Metab Nurtr 2014;5:5-9)

• Keywords: Intestinal failure, Short bowel syndrome, Parenteral nutrition, Complications