Introduction: Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorption disorder caused by a lack of
functional small intestine. Most cases are due to surgical removal of a large portion of the
small intestine or congenital defects. It can also occur when the small intestine is of
adequate length, but the resorption effect is affected by various factors. The primary
symptom is diarrhea, which can result in dehydration, hypovolemia, malnutrition,
electrolyte imbalance and weight loss. Symptoms of short bowel syndrome are usually
addressed with medication and the introduction of a complete parenteral and enteral diet.
Surgical procedures are used to lengthen the affected part of the bowel. In case of bowel
failure intestinal transplantation might be needed. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma
work is to present nutritional treatment of people with short bowel syndrome and to
explain how it affects their quality of life. Methods: In the diploma was used the
descriptive method of work with a review of Slovenian and foreign scientific literature on
short bowel syndrome. We searched for the aforementioned literature through a web site
UpTodate, Medline, PubMed and Cinahl databases, in the Dikul portal via remote access
of the digital library of the University of Ljubljana and using the bibliographic system
COBISS.SI. Search for literature it started from June 2018 to June 2019. The articles that
were used are from 2000 to 2019, had clearly explained methods of work, were accessible
with full text and were reviewed. Results: Short bowel syndrome is a wide spectrum
disorder that has various consequences depending on the degree of the disorder. Treatment
program contains interdisciplinary approach. The individual strategy for the patient
includes the modification of macro and micro nutrients in the diet, hydration and
pharmacological options to improve the health, quality of life and reducing complications
and mortality associated with the syndrome. In this approach, the nurse plays a very
important role in providing parenteral and enteral nutrition to the patient with short bowel
syndrome. Discussion and conclusion: In addition to the absence of health, patients with
the syndrome are also deprived of quality of life. Many times are patients hospitalized
because off infections which are the consequence off parenteral food, are unemployed and
they must to adjust life their needs for parenteral nutrition at home. The nurse has very
important role to consulting patients on clinic or at home.
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