Small bowel transplant: state-of-the-art vascular and nonvascular imaging

Small bowel transplant (SBT) is a surgical procedure that may be used in patients with pathology resulting in severe intestinal failure resistant to conventional forms of surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Intestinal failure is defined as the failure of enterocytes to absorb sufficient macronutrients, water, and/or electrolytes to sustain homeostasis and/or promote growth. With the advancement of surgical techniques and advancements in perioperative transplant management, SBT has become an increasingly common treatment for intestinal failure, with survival rates for SBT comparable to those for other solid organ transplants.

This review provides background on SBT, its variations, and the associated preoperative and postoperative imaging studies with regard to surgical planning and anticipated complications.

With the increasing use of SBT, radiologists will be expected to be familiar with the diagnostic studies and available endovascular interventions associated with this procedure.