Intestinal Rehabilitation Program | Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition | UC Davis Children's Hospital

Since 2015, UC Davis Children’s Hospital has been offering an intestinal rehabilitation program led by its team of pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) physicians. The program includes a dedicated clinical nurse practitioner, two pediatric home health nurses, two dietitians and a social worker.

The intestinal rehabilitation program works with pediatric patients to ensure they get the nutrition needed for growth and development. The program also helps promote growth and adaptation in the intestine.
Some of the diseases we treat and manage include:

• Necrotizing entercolitis (NEC), which occurs when the intestine is invaded by bacteria and its tissues die
• Short bowel syndrome, a condition in which the intestine can’t break down and absorb nutrients from food properly

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for short bowel syndrome

Children with short bowel syndrome have difficulty absorbing calories, nutrients and water from food and fluids. Providers often recommend total parenteral nutrition (TPN), rather than feedings by mouth. TPN provides fluids intravenously bypassing the GI tract. TPN requires a solution of water, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to provide the total nutrition needs of a baby.

Educating parents on how to provide care at home

The program has also developed an education program for parents of short bowel syndrome and TPN-dependent children. The program teaches parents how to care for their children at home after being discharged from the hospital.

In Sacramento, two UC Davis pediatric home health nurses make home visits to help pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome.

For children who live in the 33-county coverage area that UC Davis Health serves, the team finds pediatric home health care providers in their areas or equips families for success at home through education and training.