Prescribing for a patient with reduced intestinal length

Abstract

Surgical interventions involving the gut may result in either a temporary or, in some cases, permanent stoma. If a significant length of small intestine has been resected, there may be impaired drug absorption. Many factors, including the underlying disease, influence drug absorption after bowel resection. The drug dose or formulation may need to be modified to improve bioavailability. Pharmacists can advise on formulations. Specialist advice from a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation unit may be needed in cases of short gut syndrome.