Short Bowel Syndrome and Food Aversion: The Role of “Messy Play” Therapy in Paediatric Patients

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) in children causes long-term complications. Food aversion (FA) is found in 25% of patients with SBS, and contributes to growth and developmental delay. The aim of this study is to identify factors of SBS that cause FA and evaluate the outcome of using play specialist led feeding programmes. Ten patients with SBS and FA were enrolled into “messy play” therapy program, after which all patients were able to feed orally. An intensive structured programme centered on “our senses” and “messy play” appeared to increase oral intake and to be successful in children having FA. Keywords: Pediatric; Intestinal failure; Intestinal rehabilitation unit; Short bowel syndrome