Innovative, minimally invasive methods of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment that guarantee accurate results are used in the gastroenterology departments of Israeli clinics. Many Israeli gastroenterologists are recognized not only nationally but also internationally for their clinical research and development of proprietary treatment methods. They care about their reputation and ensure that their patients receive the best possible care. Regardless of the diagnosis you present, Israeli doctors take your concerns seriously.
To ensure that foreign patients feel comfortable in a foreign country, each is provided with personal coordinators – staff from the international departments of the clinics. Personal coordinators help solve everyday issues and facilitate patient interactions with medical staff, overseeing the execution of appointments and assisting in communication with doctors who do not speak Russian. Patient reviews of personal coordinators are always positive.
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Treatment Methods for Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome is a condition caused by the loss of functioning small intestine. Causes of the syndrome include the removal of parts of the small intestine during surgery or being born with absent or damaged portions of the small intestine.
The small intestine is an important part of the digestive tract — it is responsible for absorbing most proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals from the food we eat. In a patient with short bowel syndrome, the body cannot absorb nutrients, leading to a complex of symptoms including diarrhea, general weakness, weight loss, muscle mass loss, cramps, swelling of the lower extremities, and anemia.
The specific treatment for short bowel syndrome depends on the patient's condition. The therapeutic regimen may include nutritional support, medications, and surgical procedures.
Nutritional Support
The main treatment for short bowel syndrome is nutritional support, which may include the following:
- Oral rehydration. Adults should drink water, caffeine-free carbonated drinks, and salty broths. Children should drink oral rehydration solutions – special drinks containing salts and minerals to prevent dehydration.
- Parenteral nutrition. During this treatment, fluids, electrolytes, liquid vitamins, and minerals are delivered into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. Parenteral nutrition is prescribed for people who cannot or should not receive nutrition or sufficient fluids during meals.
- Enteral nutrition. In this treatment, liquid food is delivered to the stomach or small intestine through a feeding tube – a small soft plastic tube inserted through the nose or mouth into the stomach.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements. The patient may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements during or after parenteral or enteral nutrition.
- Special diet. Dietitians develop a specific diet plan for the patient that includes small, frequent meals and excludes foods high in sugar, protein, and fiber, as well as fatty foods.
Medications
The treating physician may prescribe medications for short bowel syndrome, including antibiotics to prevent excessive bacterial growth, H2 blockers to treat excessive gastric acid secretion, proton pump inhibitors for excessive gastric acid secretion, bile acids to improve bile flow and prevent liver disease, bile salt binders to reduce diarrhea, antisecretory agents that lower gastric acidity in the intestine, motility agents to increase the time food spends in the intestine, leading to increased nutrient absorption, growth hormones to improve intestinal absorption, and teduglutide to enhance intestinal absorption.
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to enhance the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients. Approximately half of patients with short bowel syndrome require surgery. The surgical procedures used to treat short bowel syndrome include those aimed at:
- preventing obstruction and preserving the length of the small intestine;
- narrowing any dilated segment of the small intestine;
- slowing the passage of food through the small intestine;
- lengthening the small intestine.
The long-term prognosis depends on which sections of the small intestine were removed, how damaged the intestine is, how well the intestinal muscles function, and how well the remaining small intestine adapts over time.
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How Short Bowel Syndrome is Diagnosed
Diagnosis of the disease in Israeli clinics is conducted in three stages and takes an average of three days.
Consultation
The doctor diagnoses “short bowel syndrome” based on medical and family history, physical examination, as well as laboratory and instrumental studies. The physical examination involves palpation of the abdomen and percussion. Gathering medical and family history helps the doctor diagnose short bowel syndrome. The doctor will also clarify symptoms and may request a history of past surgeries.
Tests
On the second day, the patient undergoes the laboratory and instrumental studies prescribed by the treating physician.
- Blood tests: show levels of minerals and vitamins and measure a complete blood count.
- Stool fat analysis: measures the body's ability to break down and absorb fat.
- X-ray: helps identify obstructions, shows dimensional anomalies, and bloating.
- Computed tomography: creates detailed informative images that provide insight into the condition of internal organs. It may show intestinal obstruction and changes in the intestine.
Consultation
When the test results are ready, an expert commission is convened to analyze the clinical case and collectively decide on the treatment protocol.
- Computed tomography
- X-ray
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of treatment depends on many factors, including the patient's condition (the need for certain studies and treatments), the number of days the patient spends in the clinic, the number of consultations received, and the need to involve additional specialists in the treatment process. The final price becomes clear after completing a comprehensive examination. Only then is the full scope of necessary interventions understood. An approximate cost can be obtained by contacting our medical consultant at the phone number provided on the website or leaving contact details in any of the application forms.
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Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High level of professionalism among Israeli gastroenterologists.
- Robotic minimally invasive surgery, gentle nature of therapy.
- Prescription of next-generation medications.
- Achieving the best possible results at a moderate cost.
To learn more about treatment in Israel, get information about prices, submit an application on the website with your contact phone number, call, or request a callback.