Intestinal Rehabilitation Center

About the Intestinal Rehabilitation and Nutrition Program 

Nutrition support involves the provision of specialized nutrition given parenterally (intravenously through a catheter in a vein) and/or enterally (through the gastrointestinal tract). We do this because the intestine cannot absorb enough nutrients for growth when taken solely by mouth.

The ultimate goal of care is to help children get to the point that they no longer need either parenteral or enteral nutrition. In some children, we achieved this over months, in others it can take years. This is not possible for every child with intestinal failure, depending on the specific cause, but it is always our goal. Achieving this goal is the result of intestinal adaptation, which includes growth of the lining of the intestine and enhancement of its function. One key to this is advancing enteral nutrition, which stimulates the process of intestinal adaptation.

We offer expertise in parenteral and enteral support assessment, management, and follow-up as well as management of the complications associated with intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome. This care is provided by the same team in both the outpatient clinic setting and, when admission is needed, in the hospital.

What is Intestinal Failure?

Intestinal failure is a condition in which the intestines are not able to absorb enough nutrients, fluids and/or electrolytes to maintain hydration and achieve appropriate weight gain and growth. This can be due to short bowel syndrome or other conditions which impair the motility or function of the GI tract.  Some of these other conditions include Hirschsprung’s disease, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, or impaired mucosal function.