Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Intestinal Rehabilitation

Intestinal rehabilitation is the process of gradually restoring the intestine's ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. Generally, people with all types of gastrointestinal disorders may qualify for intestinal rehab without the need for transplant. This is done through recent advanced diet, medicines and surgery which greatly reduced the need for intestine organ transplants. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a lifesaver for patients who are unable to absorb enough nutrition through their small intestine. TPN is the process where the nutrition is given into the blood through a vein (intravenously) by a central line placed in the child’s chest, neck or groin. Intestinal rehabilitation involves strategies and therapies designed to make the bowel to work better by giving nutritional support, nutritional rehabilitation, medical management and restorative surgery.