Intestinal transplantation: an overview

Intestinal transplantation is just now beginning to emerge as a viable therapeutic option for the large number of patients worldwide with intestinal failure. Intestinal transplantation has experienced consistent growth over the last decade as clinical outcomes have improved. As more centers gain experience in performing and managing these complex transplant patients, referral patterns are established to facilitate the movement of patients to those centers with expertise in this area. As these intestinal transplant centers evolve, indications for intestinal transplantation will change and more patients will be helped. It is critical that general surgeons and gastroenterologists are familiar with the field of intestinal transplantation, as many of their most difficult patients may derive great benefit from this option.