The Intestinal Transplantation Team
The complexity of transplantation surgery and the underlying medical conditions that lead to the need for a transplant require a coordinated and collaborative approach to medical care. You will be cared for by a team of skilled surgeons, physicians, nurses, and other professionals who will guide you through each step on the road to your transplant.
Below is a summary of the UPMC staff that will help care for you and guide you through the transplant process.
Transplant Surgeons
If you are a candidate for intestinal rehabilitation or transplantation, you will be evaluated by a transplant surgeon, who will discuss your condition with you and your family; address questions and concerns; and talk about appropriate treatment options, including repair of your own intestine or transplantation.
The same surgical team will be performing the surgical procedure that you will need including transplantation if required. Other than transplantation, the team may be able to reconstruct your own intestine by removing blockage, fistula, tumor or other abdominal problems causing your intestine to fail. In addition, the team could successfully lengthen your bowel or bypass blockage of the blood vessels.
The same team will deliver your postoperative care and manage your anti-rejection drugs. You may need to know that the most important anti-rejection drug you will receive after transplantation at UPMC or other centers was introduced to clinical practice by Dr. Starzl and the director of the intestinal program.
> Meet the program's surgeons
Gastrointestinal and Transplant Physicians
These physicians are highly specialized doctors who will take part in your medical care at the IRTC. The endoscopic examination that you may need before or after surgery will be done by one of these gastroenterologists in addition to other potential medical procedures. The multidisciplinary team also includes highly specialized physicians in different medical specialties. For example, if you have a hereditary or congenital disorder, a team of world renowned geneticists will be available for you and your family members. After completion of your initial evaluation, your referring physician will be contacted and your medical condition will be discussed.
Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
These are trained professionals who will assist the transplant surgeons and physicians with the medical care you’ll need in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic. They will assess your medical condition and your needs on a daily basis and follow-up with your transplant surgeons and team members.
Transplant Coordinators
Transplant coordinators are registered nurses who have special training along with the experience to care for transplant patients. They will assist and guide you and your families through the entire transplant process, from evaluation through postoperative outpatient care.
In addition, the transplant coordinator provides instruction and education about transplantation to you and your family. They monitor your condition and provide other members of the transplant team with appropriate information and test results. The coordinator also communicates valuable information to your local physician and is the link between all health care professionals who are involved in your care.
At the IRTC, transplant coordinators are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions patients may have about their medical care before and after surgery.
Social Worker
These are a specialized team that will be available to assist you as soon as you decide to come to Pittsburgh. They will provide assistance with transportation, housing, and needs of your primary caregiver.
Transplant Dietitians
Transplant dietitians are registered dietitians who have education and experience in managing your nutrition. A transplant dietitian can assess your nutritional status and make recommendations about therapeutic diets and nutritional supplementation.
Transplant dietitians teach you and your family about special diets and can provide help regarding decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. They also provide information about supplements, and safe food handling and cooking.
Transplant Office and Medical Assistants
Transplant office and medical assistants are responsible for scheduling clinic appointments and all testing procedures, including x-rays and endoscopies. These assistants will also be available to assist you during your visit to Pittsburgh.
Transplant Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are doctors who administer medications that keep people asleep during surgery or other procedures. Anesthesiologists are responsible for monitoring vital signs (heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing) during transplant and other operations. They also deal with pain management.
Transplant Pharmacists
Transplant pharmacists are registered pharmacists with vast experience in the medical therapy that you will need as a transplant recipient. They will take care of you during your hospitalization and as an outpatient. They ensure the optimal delivery of your medications and protect you from any drug interaction that may affect your anti-rejection medications. They will be always available to monitor your medication dosage and any necessary changes. In addition, they can be reached at any time through your coordinator for any questions you may have while you are in Pittsburgh or after your return back home.
Experts in Stress, Anxiety, and Chronic Pain Management
Highly specialized professional including a nurse, a psychologist and a psychotherapist with vast experience in stress management, coping skills, sleeping disorders, smoking cessation, and chronic pain control will be available for you.
Transplant Pathologists
Transplant pathologists are doctors who are involved in processing and evaluating tissue biopsies, as well as in the accurate histological diagnosis of the disease process.