Dallas
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
Plano
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)
Children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) need care from a team of pediatric specialists, including gastroenterologists (GI doctors) and dietitians. Children's Health℠ is home to the only intestinal rehabilitation program in North Texas, which brings together all the specialists your child needs. Our team provides the latest treatments and personalized care to help your child best manage their condition and get the nutrition they need to thrive.
214-456-8000
Fax: 214-456-8005
469-497-2505
F: 469-497-2511
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Gastroenterology (GI)
pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) means that a large part of a child's small intestine is missing or doesn’t work the way it should. SBS can occur in newborns or older children. Sometimes it results from a condition that is present at birth (congenital). In other cases, it can happen after doctors surgically remove a large part of the small intestine because of an infection, injury or chronic condition.
The small intestine is essential for absorbing water and nutrients from the food we eat. Children with SBS don’t have enough healthy small intestine to stay hydrated and absorb the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This condition requires treatment and follow-up care throughout childhood.
Your child may need one or more tests to make a diagnosis, including:
In newborns:
In older children:
SBS treatment varies based on which parts of your child’s small intestine is missing and how much works properly. At Children’s Health, we’re national experts in treating all children with SBS, even the most complex cases.
Our team works together to determine the best treatment plan for your child’s unique condition, which can include:
Your child will need to follow a special diet to ensure they receive enough nutrients. Some children may also need:
Some children need medication to treat diarrhea and help them absorb water and nutrients. Doctors may also prescribe medication to help control stomach acid and prevent peptic ulcers, a common complication of SBS.
Doctors may recommend surgery that can improve the function of the small intestine. Our pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons are national leaders in the latest techniques that help children who undergo these procedures have the best possible outcomes.
Our intestinal rehabilitation team includes top pediatric experts in gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, social work and more. Together, we provide personalized care for your child and family to help manage their unique condition and enjoy the best quality of life.
In newborns, SBS may occur after surgery to treat necrotizing enterocolitis, congenital problems of the bowel, or meconium ileus, a type of bowel obstruction.
In older children, short bowel syndrome may occur after surgery to treat Crohn’s disease, cancer, bowel injury or a type of bowel obstruction called intussusception.
The outlook varies based on which parts of the small intestine are missing and how much of the small intestine is working as it should. There is no cure for SBS, but many effective treatment options are available to manage the condition.
Children with SBS often need lifelong follow-up care. Our team is by your family’s side providing the care your child may need to help them achieve their healthiest, happiest future. When your child turns 18, we help them transition to adult specialists in SBS.