What causes short bowel syndrome?
Short bowel syndrome is caused by the loss of a part of the small bowel. It may also be caused by the loss of function of the small bowel. It may be congenital (happened before birth) or it may occur anytime during life. The following conditions may cause short bowel syndrome: • Congenital: Problems during the growth of the fetus may cause defects in body parts. Short bowel syndrome may happen along with other birth defects that may involve the GI tract. • Acquired: • Bowel surgery: Surgery to remove a part of the small or large intestine may have been done to treat intestinal problems. Diseases of the bowel, such as Crohn’s disease and necrotizing enterocolitis, are common causes for having bowel surgery. Bowel surgery also may have been done to treat intestinal atresia, volvulus, twisted bowels, and obesity (overweight). • Other causes: Short bowel syndrome may also be due to a tumor, radiation, or infection, such as AIDS. Some functional problems in the bowel, like sprue or dysmotil
