Gastrointestinal motility considerations in patients with short-bowel syndrome

Short-bowel syndrome results from large resections of the small intestine that result in the malabsorption of nutrients and fluids. Following intestinal resection both morphological and functional adaptations of the residual intestine occur. While we have witnessed progress in the understanding of morphological adaptation, little is known about the effects of gastrointestinal motility in short-bowel syndrome. This article reviews what is currently known about gastrointestinal motility in the context of short-bowel syndrome and the motility considerations that impact on clinical management.