Intestinal Transplantation Program
The Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute provides isolated intestine (small bowel), combined liver and intestine, and multivisceral transplantation for patients who have irreversible intestinal failure. Surgeons at the institute have performed about 45 percent of intestinal transplants worldwide, achieving patient survival rates above the international average.
The three types of intestinal transplantation offered by the institute are described below:
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isolated intestine (small bowel) transplantation
Some people are born with or develop irreversible intestinal failure. They become unable to digest food well enough to eat or be fed through a tube, and as a result require permanent total parenteral nutrition (TPN). For these adults and children, isolated intestine (small bowel) transplantation can be a life-saving and life-enhancing option.
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combined liver and intestine transplantation
Combined liver and intestine transplantation is a life-saving procedure for patients with combined organ failure. It is the only available treatment for patients with liver and intestinal failure. Without treatment, people with this condition have an expected median survival of six to 12 months.
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multivisceral transplantation
Multivisceral transplantation is offered for people in whom two or more intra-abdominal organs (including the intestines) are failing. Multivisceral transplantation is the only treatment available for people who have combined organ failure and/or premalignant or low-grade malignant tumors of the gastrointestinal tract.