Intestinal failure is a specific disease entity resulting from intestinal resection or disease-associated malabsorption and characterized by the inability to maintain protein-energy, fluid, electrolyte or micronutrient balance. We performed a MEDLINE search (1966-2006) to identify relevant articles, using keywords intestinal failure, parenteral or enteral nutrition, intestinal fistula and short bowel syndrome. Causes of intestinal failure are varied, with self-limiting or 'Type 1' intestinal failure occurring relatively commonly following abdominal surgery, necessitating short-term fluid or nutritional support. The rarer, 'Type 2' intestinal failure, is associated with septic, metabolic and complex nutritional complications, usually following surgical resection in patients with Crohn's or mesenteric vascular disease. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with Type 2 intestinal failure is crucial: resolution of sepsis is required before adequate nutritional repletion can be achieved, and it is important to optimize nutritional status, not only through enteral or parenteral supplementation, but also by addressing complications of short bowel syndrome, before considering definitive surgical reconstruction. A structured approach to the management of Type 2 intestinal failure should reduce the likelihood of these complex patients developing 'Type 3' intestinal failure, which is characterized by the need for long-term parenteral nutrition.