Intestinal Failure

Symptoms of Intestinal Failure

The most common cause of intestinal failure is Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). People with Short Bowel Syndrome have had at least half of their small intestine removed in surgery. From time to time, some may have symptoms related to their short intestines:

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

Intestinal Failure Diagnosis

Several intestinal diseases or conditions can lead to intestinal failure. How doctors diagnose these problems depends on the condition. Some problems that can lead to intestinal failure are:

• Short bowel syndrome caused by injury or by disease. Some diseases that can cause SBS are gastroschisis, intestinal atresia and necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Motility disorders, including Hirschsprung's disease and intestinal pseudo-obstruction
• Absorptive disorders, including microvillus inclusion disease and tufting enteropathy.