Intestinal failure

Conditions that can cause intestinal failure include:

• when a large part of the intestine is surgically removed
• diseases that affect how the intestine absorbs food
• being born with an abnormal intestine.

Intestinal failure may be temporary or permanent. There are 3 types of intestinal failure for adults.

• Type 1: short-term intestinal failure.
• Type 2: prolonged intestinal failure. Life-sustaining parenteral nutrition is needed for longer than 20 days.
• Type 3: long-term intestinal failure. Usually stable people who are able to be managed at home with home-based parenteral nutrition.

Intestinal failure is treated by adjusting your diet based on the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients. You will usually need to be fed intravenously to get enough nutrients and fluids — this is called parenteral nutrition.

Tamariki (children) often may be born with or develop intestinal failure which may improve over time, or become a long-term or progressive condition.

The goal of treatment is to restore gut function and return to normal eating. Support from your friends, whānau, and healthcare providers can help.