Treatment Outcomes of Short Bowel Syndrome in Paediatric Patients

Objective This study evaluated the association between intestinal anatomical characteristics—including the resected bowel segment, residual small bowel length (RSBL), and preservation of the ileocecal valve (ICV)—and treatment outcomes in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Methods A retrospective study was conducted of 35 paediatric SBS patients who underwent small bowel resection at the study site from July 2021 to July 2024. SBS was defined by an RSBL ≤ 25% of the expected length for age or dependence on parenteral nutrition ≥ 60 days. Treatment outcomes were categorised as successful (clinical stabilisation and discharge) or unsuccessful (death or lack of improvement). Results Most patients underwent surgery during the neonatal period (91.4%). A majority had RSBL > 38 cm (88.6%), preserved ICV (74.2%), and intact colon (67.7%). The overall treatment success rate was 60% ( n = 21), while mortality or failure occurred in 40% ( n = 14). The mean RSBL in the success group (86.1 ± 28.1 cm) was significantly longer than in the failure group (52.7 ± 24.9 cm; p < 0.001). All patients with very short (15–38 cm) or ultra‐short (< 15 cm) RSBL experienced treatment failure or death ( p < 0.05). Preservation of both the colon and ICV was significantly associated with treatment success ( p < 0.05). Patients without ICV preservation had longer median hospital stays than those with ICV preservation (126 days vs. 100.5 days; p < 0.05). Conclusion Colon and ileocecal valve preservation are key prognostic factors improving outcomes and reducing hospitalisation in paediatric short bowel syndrome.