When the colon is in continuity a shorter length of bowel is sufficient to permit the patient to return to the community without parenteral support.
If the remaining jejeuno-ileum is less than 50 cm; 50% can be independent of parenteral support after bowel rehabilitation. The remainder require parenteral nutrition for life and should be considered for intestinal transplantation.
For those with a remaining jejeuno-ileum 50-100 cm in length; they may require TPN for about 6 months and can compensate more rapidly with growth factors and nutrients.
When there is 101-150 cm of jejeuno-ileum; short term TPN ocasionally required but most will return to the community without parenteral support.
Those with in excess of 150 cm of jejeuno-ileum do well with dietary education and specific nutrient supplementation.