[Long term prognosis after massive small bowel resection in children].

Eight survivors after massive small bowel resection were reviewed for a period of 2 to 19 years to assess the long term prognosis of patients. The primary diseases of short bowel syndrome were congenital intestinal atresia (6) and midgut volvulus (2). The length of the residual small intestine ranged between 27 and 75 cm and ileocecal valve was also resected in 3 cases. All cases had been already weaned from parenteral nutrition and six children tolerate normal meals and two have still enteral formula at home now. Near normal somatic growth was achieved in cases which received intensive nutritional supports after operation. The D-Xylose absorption test revealed gradual improvement except one with the shortest intestine (27 cm) and fat absorption was disturbed in patients who had less than 45 cm residual intestine. Late metabolic complications, such as renal calculus, cholelithiasis and pathologic fractures were encountered in three cases.