A new gut model shows how surgical interventions impact nutrient absorption in short bowel syndrome (SBS), crucial for surgical planning.

• Neonates experience a significant drop in glucose absorption even with slight bowel dilation, peaking at 1.1x diameter.
• Adolescent and child absorption remains stable until 1.5x diameter, with absorption rates at 54% for adolescents, 98% for children, and 45% for neonates without dilation.

Surgeons should consider earlier autologous reconstruction for neonates to mitigate malabsorption risks.