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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
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Small Bowel Transplantation In Mice
Published on: August 20, 2007
Small bowel transplantation
1Department of Transplantation, St. James University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom. spollard@doctors.org.uk
Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Intestinal transplantation is a viable option for patients with intestinal failure when total parenteral nutrition is not sustainable. Advances in immunosuppression and antimicrobial therapy have improved outcomes, though graft dysfunction and sepsis remain challenges.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Transplantation Surgery
Background:
- Intestinal failure necessitates long-term management, often with total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- TPN can lead to complications like loss of venous access and severe cholestasis, limiting long-term survival.
- Intestinal transplantation is emerging as a therapeutic alternative for select patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and outcomes of intestinal transplantation.
- To identify the challenges and advancements in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on intestinal transplantation.
- Analysis of outcomes in larger centers focusing on immunosuppression and antimicrobial therapy.
Main Results:
- Technical aspects are well-described, with improved outcomes due to advances in immunosuppression and antimicrobial therapy.
- Graft monitoring and sepsis associated with graft dysfunction due to bacterial translocation are significant challenges.
- Denervation, lymphatic disruption, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and nonphysiological venous drainage are not major problems.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal transplantation is transitioning from experimental to therapeutic intervention.
- It offers a potential solution for patients with intestinal failure unresponsive to TPN.
- Further evaluation is needed to determine its role as a primary alternative versus a salvage procedure.
