Our Summary
Intestinal transplants, although not very common, are becoming more frequent in North America and Europe. These transplants can occur on their own or as part of a multi-organ transplant. They are primarily used for patients who have serious problems with their intestines, such as not having enough intestinal tissue or having intestines that don’t function properly. After the surgery, patients can have a variety of different outcomes depending on their original health status and whether the transplant was isolated or part of a multi-organ transplant. There are several complications that can arise from intestinal transplants, some of which are common in all types of organ transplants. These include infection, rejection, cancerous growths related to the transplant, and a condition where the transplanted organ attacks the recipient’s body. There can also be mechanical issues with the transplanted intestine, such as blockages, leaks, holes, or abnormal connections to the skin. Additionally, there can be problems with the blood vessels connected to the transplanted intestine, like narrowing or false aneurysms.
FAQs
- What are the primary reasons for patients to undergo an intestinal transplant?
- What are some possible complications that can arise from an intestinal transplant?
- Can an intestinal transplant be part of a multi-organ transplant, and if so, how does this affect the potential outcomes for the patient?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal transplant is to closely follow the post-transplant care plan provided by the medical team. This may include taking immunosuppressant medications as prescribed, attending regular follow-up appointments, and monitoring for any signs of complications. It is important to communicate any changes in symptoms or concerns to the medical team promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management can help support the success of the transplant.
Suitable For
Patients who may be recommended for an intestinal transplant include those with:
Short bowel syndrome: This is a condition where a significant portion of the small intestine has been removed or is not functioning properly, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
Intestinal failure: This occurs when the intestines are not able to absorb enough nutrients or fluids to sustain the patient’s health.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: This condition causes symptoms similar to a bowel obstruction, but without any physical blockage.
Intestinal dysmotility disorders: These disorders affect the movement of the intestines, leading to issues with digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Severe complications from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patients with severe cases of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that do not respond to other treatments may be considered for an intestinal transplant.
Intestinal tumors or other conditions that require removal of a large portion of the intestine.
It is important to note that intestinal transplants are considered a last resort treatment option and are only recommended for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options and are at risk of serious complications or death without a transplant. The decision to undergo an intestinal transplant is made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Timeline
Before the intestinal transplant:
- Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations and testing to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the transplant
- Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor intestine
- Patient may need to undergo pre-transplant treatments to improve their health and reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery
After the intestinal transplant:
- Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for signs of complications, such as infection or rejection
- Patient may need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ
- Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor the health of the transplanted intestine and overall well-being
- Patient may need to make significant lifestyle changes to adapt to life with a transplanted intestine, such as dietary restrictions or managing medication side effects
- Patient may experience complications or require additional surgeries in the months and years following the transplant
- Patient may experience improvements in their quality of life and overall health, but the long-term success of the transplant can vary depending on individual factors.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal transplant may include:
- What are the risks and potential complications associated with an intestinal transplant?
- What is the success rate of intestinal transplants, and what factors can affect the outcome?
- How long is the recovery process after an intestinal transplant, and what can I expect during this time?
- Will I need to take immunosuppressant medications after the transplant, and what are the potential side effects of these medications?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments and tests after the transplant?
- What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the transplant to ensure the success of the procedure?
- What support services are available for patients undergoing an intestinal transplant, such as dieticians, mental health professionals, or support groups?
- How long can I expect the transplanted intestine to last, and what are the signs that it may be failing?
- What are the signs of rejection or infection that I should watch out for, and when should I contact my doctor if I experience these symptoms?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before undergoing an intestinal transplant?
Reference
Authors: Hakim B, Myers DT, Williams TR, Nagai S, Bonnett J. Journal: Br J Radiol. 2018 Oct;91(1090):20180173. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20180173. Epub 2018 Jun 5. PMID: 29770706