intestinal transplantation

intestinal transplantation

Surgical insertion and connection of a donated length of small intestine as a treatment for short gut syndrome or other forms of intestinal failure or extensive intestinal tumour. The procedure is a radical alternative to intravenous feeding (total parenteral nutrition). In most cases the liver is transplanted along with the intestine. Currently, less than half the patients who have this major procedure survive for three years but the operation is still in its infancy and improved results are to be expected with time and experience.