Predicting outcome of procedures to slow intestinal transit

Procedures designed to slow intestinal transit in patients with the short-bowel syndrome (SBS) have unpredictable outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the outcome and predictive factors for this complication in SBS patients. Ten patients (37-61 years) underwent reversed segment (n = 9) or nipple valve creation (n = 1). All patients had remnant lengths over 90 cm and rapid intestinal transit times. All subjects had benign diseases, including Crohn's (n = 3). Six patients had a colon remnant. SBS had been present for 8 to 150 months. Nine (90%) required parental nutrition (PN) preoperatively. A procedure was performed either alone (n = 5) or concurrently with an ostomy closure (n = 3), an ostomy revision (n = 1), or a fundoplication (n = 1). There was one postoperative complication (urinary tract infection) and no deaths. Two patients developed bacterial overgrowth. One required repair of an ileocolonic stricture. One reversed segment was taken down 12 months later. Five (50%) patients improved (off PN), five remained on PN or had persistent diarrhea. Patients with a successful outcome were more likely to have had ostomy takedown (60% vs 0%). The duration of SBS; presence of Crohn's disease, a colon remnant, or type 1 anatomy; and the transit times were similar in both groups. Adjusted remnant length (small intestine +30 cm for type 2 anatomy and +60 cm for type 3) was similar (136 +/- 20 vs 154 +/- 25 cm). Procedures may benefit half of selected SBS patients with adequate remnant length and rapid transit. Successful patients are more likely to have an ostomy takedown, but the outcome is less determined by transit time or intestinal length if over 90 cm.