Caring for children with intestinal failure

The Intestinal Failure Program at the Children’s Wisconsin treats children who cannot absorb enough nutrients to allow the child to grow and develop normally.

Common causes of intestinal failure include surgical removal of parts of the intestine in little babies, and in others, failure of the intestine to move properly (motility disorders). Intestinal failure is a complex condition where children need nutrition given through the bloodstream often in combination with tube feeding. These children may benefit from surgical interventions and do best when managed as a team.