Short-bowel syndrome - surgical treatment with long-term benefit?

Survival and management of patients with irreversible intestinal failure has been made possible by the development of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Despite the progress of TPN severe and even fatal complications might occur. Different non-surgical and surgical therapies can be employed to either improve intestinal function or restore enteral autonomy to obviate the need for TPN. A comprehensive review of the pertinent literature on different treatment modalities for short-bowel syndrome and our own experience are presented to judge long-term benefit and make recommendations on up-to-date surgical management.