Reconstructive Surgery for Intestinal Failure

Abstract

Background: Intestinal failure (IF) in the adult is the result of a wide spectrum of disease. Acute mesenteric ischemia, postoperative short bowel due to a complicative course, and Crohn's disease are major causes of IF. Reconstructive surgery in the context of IF comprises a spectrum of procedures including stoma takedown, reversal of laparostomies, and closure of enteric fistulas.

Methods: This article is based on a PubMed-based literature search and personal experience in adult patients with IF.

Results: This review summarizes therapeutic options of reconstructive surgery in adult patients focusing on the main reasons of IF such as mesenteric ischemia, complicative previous surgery, and Crohn's disease. Indications and contraindications are discussed as well as the optimal time point of reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion: This overview summarizes surgical aspects in a special cohort of patients with a rare disease entity necessitating an interdisciplinary approach.

Keywords: Crohn's disease; Intestinal failure; Mesenteric ischemia; Short bowel; Surgery.