Intestine Transplant, also known as Small Bowel Transplantation, is a specialized surgical procedure in which a diseased or non-functioning portion of the small intestine is replaced with a healthy intestine from a suitable donor. It may be considered for patients with intestinal failure or severe complications from long-term intravenous nutrition when other treatments are no longer effective or safe. In some cases, an intestine transplant may be performed together with a liver or other abdominal organ transplant.
Patients with Intestinal Failure
Individuals whose small intestine cannot adequately absorb nutrients, fluids, or medications and who require long-term intravenous nutrition.
Patients with Severe Intestinal Disorders
People with conditions such as short bowel syndrome, intestinal motility disorders, or other severe intestinal diseases that cannot be effectively managed through conventional treatment.
Patients with Complications from Long-Term Nutrition
Individuals who develop serious complications related to prolonged parenteral nutrition, such as liver problems, recurrent infections, or loss of reliable venous access.
Comprehensive Transplant Evaluation
Your transplant team performs nutritional assessments, blood tests, imaging, gastrointestinal evaluations, and other investigations to determine whether intestinal transplantation is appropriate.
Donor Intestine Transplantation
During surgery, the diseased section of the intestine is removed when necessary and the donor intestine is connected to the recipient's digestive tract and blood vessels to restore intestinal function.
Post-Transplant Monitoring & Care
After transplantation, the medical team closely monitors intestinal function, nutrition, infection risk, and signs of rejection while adjusting anti-rejection medication.
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Your Treatment Journey
Before Procedure
- You will undergo an extensive transplant evaluation to assess your nutritional status, overall health, and suitability for transplantation.
- Blood-group and tissue-compatibility testing may be performed when identifying a suitable donor.
- Your transplant team will explain the procedure, potential complications, medication requirements, and long-term follow-up.
During Procedure
- Intestine transplantation is performed under general anesthesia and is a complex abdominal surgery.
- The procedure may take several hours, depending on whether an intestine-only or combined organ transplant is required.
- The donor intestine is connected to the appropriate blood vessels and digestive tract, and an ostomy may sometimes be created temporarily or permanently depending on the surgical plan.
After Procedure
- Hospitalization can extend for several weeks or longer, depending on recovery and transplant complexity.
- Close monitoring is required for rejection, infection, nutrition, and intestinal function.
- Lifelong anti-rejection medication and regular specialist follow-up are generally required to protect the transplanted intestine and maintain its function.
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