Imaging of intestinal transplantation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Transplant Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Intestinal transplantation is a complex procedure for patients with intestinal failure or locally invasive benign abdominal tumors.
• It aims to enhance both quality of life and survival in a select patient population.
• The increasing number of these procedures means radiologists will encounter these patients more frequently.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss imaging findings indicative of potential referral for intestinal transplantation assessment.
• To describe the surgical anatomy relevant to intestinal transplantation.
• To outline common postoperative complications and their imaging features.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings in patients evaluated for or undergoing intestinal transplantation.
• Description of surgical anatomy and common postoperative complications.
• Focus on radiological assessment before and after intestinal transplant surgery.

Main Results:

• Imaging findings can help identify patients suitable for intestinal transplantation.
• Understanding surgical anatomy is key to interpreting postoperative imaging.
• Various postoperative complications have distinct imaging appearances.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists play a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of intestinal transplant recipients.
• Familiarity with pre-transplant imaging and post-operative complications is essential for accurate patient management.
• This article provides a guide for radiologists encountering patients undergoing intestinal transplantation.