Intestinal failure

Because intestinal failure means that a patient is unable to sufficiently digest and absorb nutrients, the condition can often lead to weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition. Other common symptoms are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Severe complications can arise such as catheter associated infections and kidney failure.

An important part of diagnosing intestinal failure is the clinical assessment - careful monitoring of the patient’s fluid balance (amount of fluid taken into the body compared with that which comes out) and very careful nutritional assessment. Laboratory tests may also be used to monitor the level of different salts in the blood. Radiology such as MRIs or ultrasounds may also be used, as well as endoscopy. Sometimes functional tests, such as gastroduodenal manometry which measures muscle contractions in the stomach and small intestine, are required to assess motility and function.

Because intestinal failure can stem from different causes and also cause different symptoms, patients require tailored nutritional support designed to meet their individual needs. This includes parenteral support, modifications of the diet, nutritional supplements and medications. In many cases, reconstructive surgery or advanced drug therapy (such as teduglutide) can be considered. We support patients to continue parenteral nutrition in their own homes. In some cases we can offer advanced surgical operations such as intestinal lengthening or (in collaboration with Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg) bowel transplantation. A multidisciplinary team, consisting of gastroenterologists, surgeons, nurses, dieticians, psychologists, pharmacologists, stoma therapists, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, physiotherapists and more work together to ensure comprehensive care.