Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Nutritional Management of SBS

Nutritional strategies and regimens are important components of the treatment and ongoing management of SBS. These regimens vary depending on the severity of the condition and the ability of the remaining intestine to absorb nutrients. In some people, oral nutrition may simply be restricted and supplemented, depending on individual nutritional needs. There are other people in whom the length and condition of the bowel are insufficient to provide the body with the nutrients it requires through oral feeding. This results in the need for intravenous nutrition, usually through a catheter inserted in a large vein that has been surgically adapted for this purpose (TPN, or total parenteral nutrition). It is obvious that the type of nutritional regimen being used will have a considerable effect on quality of life. Since many social activities center around meals and eating and drinking, people whose ability to ingest food has been impaired often feel uncomfortable and self-conscious in these situations. Other areas of life potentially affected by these nutritional requirements are working outside the home, outings for such activities as shopping or going to the movies, independence, and relationships with family and friends.
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