What Causes Intestinal Failure?
Complications from other gastrointestinal conditions are the most common cause of intestinal failure.
These conditions include:
- Crohn's disease: Prolonged inflammation can damage your intestines and may require the surgical removal of parts of your intestines. Learn more about Crohn's disease.
- Celiac disease: Advanced forms of celiac disease cause chronic inflammation that can lead to poor nutrient and fluid absorption.
- Motility problems: Treatment for rare and advanced motility problems, such as gastroparesis, may require surgically removing a portion of your small intestine. Sometimes the remaining portion does not function properly.
- Radiation: Some people who undergo radiation treatment for gastrointestinal cancer end up with narrowing (strictures) and scar tissue (adhesions), which can cause intestinal failure
- Short bowel syndrome: People who have had half or more of their intestines removed may find that the remaining portion is not capable of meeting their entire body's needs. Learn more about short bowel syndrome.
