Our Summary

The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the recent progress in the study of growing new intestinal tissue, a field that’s rapidly advancing. Recently, there has been significant progress in the growth of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and in engineering new intestinal tissue. Scientists have found ways to create ISCs from certain types of cells called fibroblasts, and have been able to grow these in a gel-like substance without the need for animal-derived products. It’s also been discovered that small intestine-like tissues, complete with nerve and muscle networks, can be grown by culturing tiny organ-like structures with another type of cell. Additionally, scientists have developed a device that can be placed inside the intestine to stimulate new tissue growth through mechanical force.

These recent developments bring hope for new treatments for a variety of intestinal disorders. However, there are still many hurdles to overcome before these stem cell-based therapies can be safely used in humans.

FAQs

  1. What recent progress has been made in the study of growing new intestinal tissue?
  2. How have scientists been able to grow intestinal stem cells without the need for animal-derived products?
  3. What are the potential applications of these new developments in treating intestinal disorders?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might give a patient considering an intestinal transplant is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, and attending regular follow-up appointments. It’s crucial to monitor for any signs of rejection or other complications following the transplant, and to promptly report any concerns to your healthcare team. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure the success of their intestinal transplant and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for intestinal transplant are those with severe intestinal failure, often due to conditions such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal ischemia, or congenital disorders affecting the intestines. These patients may have complications such as malabsorption, malnutrition, and recurrent infections that cannot be managed with traditional treatments. Intestinal transplant may be considered when other medical and surgical interventions have been unsuccessful in improving the patient’s condition.

Intestinal transplant is a complex procedure that involves replacing a significant portion of the small intestine, and sometimes the large intestine and other organs such as the liver. Patients undergoing intestinal transplant must be carefully evaluated to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Factors such as overall health, severity of intestinal failure, presence of other medical conditions, and ability to adhere to post-transplant care regimens are taken into consideration when determining eligibility for intestinal transplant.

Overall, intestinal transplant is a rare and high-risk procedure that is reserved for patients with severe intestinal failure who have exhausted other treatment options. Patients who are recommended for intestinal transplant undergo a thorough evaluation process to assess their suitability for the procedure and to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Timeline

Before intestinal transplant:

  1. The patient is diagnosed with a severe intestinal disorder that cannot be managed effectively with traditional treatments.
  2. The patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations and tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for an intestinal transplant.
  3. The patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor intestine, which can take months or even years.

After intestinal transplant:

  1. The patient undergoes the intestinal transplant surgery, which involves removing the damaged intestine and replacing it with a healthy donor intestine.
  2. The patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit for any signs of rejection or complications.
  3. The patient undergoes a long and challenging recovery process, which includes taking immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection and participating in extensive rehabilitation and follow-up care.
  4. The patient gradually adjusts to life with a new intestine, including making significant changes to their diet and lifestyle to maintain the health of the transplanted organ.
  5. The patient continues to receive regular medical check-ups and monitoring to ensure the long-term success of the intestinal transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal transplant include:

  1. What is the success rate of intestinal transplants?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal transplant surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after an intestinal transplant?
  4. How will my body react to the new intestinal tissue and what can I expect in terms of digestion and absorption of nutrients?
  5. Will I need to take immunosuppressant medications after the transplant, and what are the potential side effects of these medications?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with my medical team after the transplant?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or dietary restrictions I should follow after the transplant?
  8. How long can I expect the new intestinal tissue to last?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for an intestinal transplant?
  10. What are the qualifications and experience of the medical team performing the intestinal transplant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dubrovsky G, Dunn JCY. Journal: Curr Opin Pediatr. 2018 Jun;30(3):424-429. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000630. PMID: 29538044