Background Intestinal failure (IF) is relatively rare with the reduction of gut function for the absorption, and it really needs the multidisciplinary treatment (MDT). This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and clinical management of type II IF.

Methods A descriptive case-control study was carried out. All the data of 42 type II IF were collected from the database in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from Jan 2016 to Jan 2021. The pathophysiology, clinical management, and outcomes of type II IF were analyzed.

Results A total of 42 type II IF were included. The mean age was 46.5 (15-78), with males 26 and females 16. The underlying disease of type II IF included 28 Crohn’s disease (CD), 2 radiation enteritis, 2 chronic constipation, 2 ulcerative colitis, 3 gastrointestinal perforations, 1 mesenteric infarction, 1 intestinal Behcet’s disease, 1 aggressive fibromatosis, 1 abdominal cocoon, and 1 hernia. According to the pathophysiology of IF, there were 19 intestinal fistulas, 8 intestinal dysmotility, 6 mechanical obstructions, 7 short bowel syndrome, and 2 extensive small bowel mucosal diseases. During therapy, the mean duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) was 1.8 (1-6) months, and 16 patients underwent reconstructive surgery with 5 patients suffering major postoperative complications. Finally, 40 patients regained enteral autonomy without PN, and 2 patients died.

Conclusions Standardized multidisciplinary treatment plays an important role in type II intestinal failure, and it promotes patients with intestinal failure to regain enteral autonomy.