Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Small Bowel Resection

Definition

A small bowel resection is the surgical removal of one or more segments of the small intestine.

Purpose

The small intestine is the part of the digestive system that absorbs much of the liquid and nutrients from food. It consists of three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; and is followed by the large intestine (colon). A small bowel resection may be performed to treat the following conditions:

• Crohn's disease. This condition is characterized by a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract. If other treatment does not effectively control symptoms, the physician may recommend surgery to close fistulas or remove part of the intestine where the inflammation is...