Intestine Transplantation

Intestine transplantation, also called intestinal transplantation or small bowel transplantation, is the surgical replacement of the small intestine for chronic and acute cases of intestinal failure. Intestinal failure can often be treated with alternative therapies such as parenteral nutrition, but complications such as parenteral nutrition associated liver disease and short bowel syndrome can make transplantation the only viable remaining option. It is one of the rarest types of organ transplantation performed, though it has become more common as a therapeutic option because of improvements in immunosuppressive regimens, surgical technique, parenteral nutrition, and the clinical management of patients before and after transplant.