Purpose of review: To review the recent literature related to the impact of an intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) on the management of intestinal failure in children.
Recent findings: As publication of a systematic review of pediatric IRPs in 2013, there have been four publications further describing the impact of IRPs in children with intestinal failure. The results continue to support an improvement in survival and enteral autonomy, and a decrease in complications related to liver dysfunction, central venous catheters, and transplantation.
Summary: Pediatric IRPs offer significant advantage to outcomes of children with intestinal failure. The literature is difficult to interpret because of methodological limitations. IRP collaboration is necessary to further advance the field.