Short Bowel Syndrome: Practical Approach to Management PDF

Preface

Short bowel syndrome is a rare and potentially overwhelming malabsorptive condition that threatens the quantity and quality of life of those affected. The management of patients with short bowel syndrome is complex and, despite its rarity, requires a wide range of healthcare providers to participate in the care of these patients. As such, there is a need to educate and inform healthcare providers about short bowel syndrome. Given recent advances in the management of short bowel syndrome, including the availability of pharmacologic agents to enhance intestinal absorption, renements in parenteral nutrition, and surgical procedures designed to eliminate the need for parenteral nutrition support, we feel that now is a good time for such a book on the topic.

The goal of this international, multiauthor, interdisciplinary book is to bring the subject of short bowel syndrome to a wide audience. Physicians/surgeons, scientists, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, patients, and their caregivers have all contributed to this book to provide a wide range of viewpoints on the state-of-the-art care of those with this condition. This book is not meant to be a comprehensive review of each chapter’s topic; rather, an emphasis on a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment is provided. All issues related to the care of these patients, both in the hospital and community, are included. This book is intended not only for physicians and surgeons but also for nurses, ostomy/wound care nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, and other allied health professionals involved in the care of these complex patients.

We believe that this book will prove to be an invaluable resource to its readers and hope that it will improve the care of the patient with short bowel syndrome, advance knowledge in the eld, and stimulate relevant research. We are grateful to the contributors of the book, all of whom have made signicant contributions to the betterment of the lives of those affected by this condition.

Authors: John K. DiBaise; Carol Rees Parrish; Jon S. Thompson