| Abstract: | Short bowel is the main cause for chronic intestinal failure. The small bowel is considered to be “short” when the length of the remaining gut is less than 2 meters; the anatomy of the residual intestine may influence the adaptative capacities of the gut. Almost half of the patients with a “short bowel” need a long-term parenteral support. The amount of parenteral lipids must be ranged between 1 g/kg body weight/week and 1 g/kg body weight/day in order to prevent essential fatty acids deficiency and, on the other hand, to limit the risk of lipid-related hepatopathy. Vitamins and trace-elements must be regularly provided; there is a risk of brain toxicity due to excessive iv administration of manganese. Advantages of glutamine or growth hormones are still debated. |
