Post-operative Ultrashort Bowel Syndrome in a Term Neonate: One-year Follow-up

Abstract

Ultrashort bowel syndrome occurs when the length of the small bowel is below 10–25 cm, or 10% of that expected for age. It is a rare occurrence in neonates; however, when it occurs, it results in high morbidity and mortality. Surviving newborns face a significant detriment in growth and development due to malabsorption of nutrients. A multidisciplinary approach with aggressive parenteral nutrition is the mainstay of management. Our case presented at 20 days of life, with malrotation and midgut volvulus resulting in post-surgical ultrashort bowel syndrome. In spite of being left with only 20 cm of short bowel, the infant survived on conservative management and is thriving well; the infant has been off parenteral nutrition completely since 11 months of age.