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What Is Intestinal Failure?

Intestinal failure happens when your small intestine is not able to absorb nutrients and fluids to meet your body's needs. When this happens, you are at risk for complications, such as dehydration and malnutrition.

Intestinal failure is a rare condition that is often the result of complications from other gastrointestinal conditions. Intestinal failure can happen if you:

• Have a blockage (obstruction) in your intestines that does not respond to treatment
• Have had a surgery to remove part of your small intestine and the remaining portion does not function properly
• Are born with a defect that prevents your small intestine from functioning properly

Unlike other parts of your digestive tract, such as the esophagus and colon, which can be surgically removed when necessary, the small intestine is essential to your well-being. When you have intestinal failure, you can no longer take nutrition by mouth. However, other nutrition methods can meet your body’s needs, such as total parenteral nutrition.