The type and length of treatment differs for each case, depending on the child's needs and goals. Some of the treatments include:
- Counseling and education about intestinal rehabilitation
- Drug and diet modification to train the small intestine to absorb more nutrients
- Consultations to help assess and correct nutrient deficiencies and prevent damage to kidneys, bones and liver
- Placement of catheters in veins called central venous lines and management of these catheters
- Surgery, such as bowel lengthening and tapering that can help increase bowel length and nutrient absorption
- Intestinal transplant
For patients dependent on TPN, we aim to:
- Reduce or eliminate the need for TPN
- Reduce complications associated with TPN
- Decrease diarrhea or vomiting
- Help the patient gain weight
- Decrease the need for intestinal transplantation
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 16, 2012
