Liver-Intestine/Multivisceral Perspective: Indications, Patient Selection, and Allocation Policy

Abstract

Intestinal failure (IF) exists when the gastrointestinal tract has insufficient function to maintain hydration and nutrition to support life and to modulate electrolyte and fluid balances. In children, this definition also includes the failure of the intestine to support growth and development. The cause of IF most frequently involves loss of intestine length, so‐called short gut, but may also result from neurological or enterocyte dysfunction that prevents normal peristalsis or absorption.