Intestinal failure

Learning Hub

Intestinal failure is a condition in which the GI tract cannot absorb the nutrients a child needs for growth and day-to-day life. This learning hub contains resources to help you learn more about the condition, including its signs, symptoms and causes. Also find information about treatment of intestinal failure and support for children and families.

Intestinal failure

Learn about intestinal failure and how the intestinal tract adjusts after significant loss of bowel. Also learn about intestinal rehabilitation programs and how they help children with managing intestinal failure.

What is intestinal failure?

Intestinal adaptation

Intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP)

Parenteral nutrition

Learn how central venous lines, peripherally inserted central catheters and ports help children who need IV therapy for a long time.

About parenteral nutrition (PN)

Giving parenteral nutrition at home

Administering PN at home: Preparing for the procedure

Administering PN at home: Mixing the PN solution

Video: How to administer fluid or medication using Y connector for Home TPN patients

Central venous access devices (CVADs)
CVAD care and procedures

Enteral nutrition

Enteral nutrition is any method of feeding that uses the gastrointestinal tract to deliver nutrition to your child, either through their mouth or through a feeding tube. Learn more about enteral nutrition and gradually increasing enteral feeds to achieve enteral autonomy.

Enteral nutrition in intestinal failure

Feed progression in children with intestinal failure

Physical activity

Learn about exercise and daily physical activity with intestinal failure, including the benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing.

Physical activity and intestinal failure

Physical activity: Benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing

Physical activity: Guidelines for children and teens

Transitional stages

Intestinal failure can impact your child’s physical, social, and emotional development, as well as daily life, as they transition through to adolescence. Find resources to help you navigate these transitions.

Transitions during hospitalization for intestinal failure

Transitions during childhood (birth to 11 years of age)

Transitions during adolescence

Support

Discover resources and programs available at SickKids to support patients and families.

Caregiver support
Resources
1. Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre - GIFT Program

Intestinal failure