Effective Management of Short Bowel Syndrome with a Restricted Oral Diet and Parenteral Nutrition: A Case Report

A restricted oral diet can play a pivotal role in the nutritional management of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), particularly those with high-output stomas. These patients, especially if they have less than 100 cm of residual small bowel, are at increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition due to excessive loss of fluids and nutrients. In this report, we describe the case of a 56-year-old male patient with 90 cm of remaining small bowel, no colon in continuity, and a high-output stoma. Despite significant challenges, the patient was successfully managed through a restricted oral diet in conjunction with parenteral nutrition (PN), medications, and high compliance to the therapeutic regimen. Over several months, stoma output decreased, and the patient’s nutritional status improved, leading to weight stabilization and enhanced physical strength. Upon discharge, the patient was able to maintain an oral diet supplemented with parenteral saline and experienced a significant improvement in quality of life. This case demonstrates that the combined approach of restricted oral intake, PN, pharmacological treatment, and patient adherence can effectively manage SBS patients with high-output stomas and less than 100 cm of bowel.