Imaging in pediatric small bowel transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Transplant Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Chronic intestinal failure necessitates interventions like small bowel transplantation.
• Surgical techniques and post-operative care have significantly improved patient survival over the past 20 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of radiologists in managing patients undergoing small bowel transplantation.
• To emphasize the need for radiologists to understand surgical procedures and potential complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical techniques in small bowel and multivisceral transplantation.
• Analysis of post-surgical management and common complications in transplant recipients.
• Discussion of the radiologist's involvement in preoperative and postoperative care.

Main Results:

• Survival rates for small bowel transplant recipients have markedly increased.
• Radiologists are integral to the multidisciplinary care team.
• Understanding surgical nuances aids in accurate diagnosis and management.

Conclusions:

• Small bowel transplantation is a viable option for chronic intestinal failure.
• Radiologists require specialized knowledge for effective patient management.
• Preoperative and postoperative imaging is essential for successful transplant outcomes.