Impact of intestinal transplantation for intestinal failure in Japan

The prognosis of intestinal failure has improved dramatically in the past few decades with the development of parenteral nutrition (PN). However, PN-dependent patients still have numerous complications. Intestinal transplantation can significantly improve their prognosis and quality of life. We report on the impact of intestinal transplantation for intestinal failure in Japan.

Intestinal transplantations have been performed in Japan since 1996. Standardized forms were sent to all known intestinal transplantation programs, asking for information on intestinal transplantations performed between 1996 and June 31, 2012. All programs responded. Patient and graft survival estimates were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed with the Wilcoxon statistic.

Five institutions provided data on 24 grafts in 21 patients. There were 12 cadaveric and 12 living related donor transplants. Causes of intestinal failure included short gut syndrome (n = 9), intestinal motility function disorders (n = 11), retransplantation (n = 3), and other (n = 1). The overall 1- and 5-year patient survival rates were 86% and 68%, respectively. In cases (n = 15) after 2006, the 1-year patient survival rate was 92%, and the 5-year survival rate was 83%. One- and five-year graft survival rates were 87% and 78%, respectively. More than 80% of all current survivors discontinued PN.

Intestinal transplantation has become an effective therapy for patients with intestinal failure who cannot tolerate PN. After 2006, patient and graft survival rates approached rates associated with standard treatment for end-stage intestinal failure. Further improvements are expected with early referral due to suitable donor organ and pretransplant management.