A new trend in Intestinal transplantation

Abstract

Intestinal transplantation is now considered a life-saving option for patients with chronic intestinal failure. Intestinal failure is the state of the bowel when it cannot meet the body's nutrient and fluid requirements; short bowel syndrome is the leading cause of intestinal failure . Locally invasive tumors such as desmoid tumors, motility problems such as intestinal pseudoobstruction, and congenital mucosal disorders such as microvillus inclusion disease are other causes of intestinal failure.

The most common indication for intestinal transplantation at large centers has been life-threatening complications of parenteral nutrition or lack of access in patients with intestinal failure who are dependent on parenteral nutrition. Irrespective of parenteral nutrition complications, patients with locally invasive tumors have also benefited from intestinal transplantation.

Intestinal transplantation can be roughly classified in three types: isolated intestine, liver and intestine, and multivisceral transplantation. The most important aspect of surgical planning is careful history taking and physical exam of the patients. Full access to previous operative reports, radiologic imaging of the remaining bowel is just as essential in deciding what type of operation should be performed.

Early referral to the transplant center may have a positive impact on the survival of intestinal transplantation recipients, as will advances in the field of transplant. Improvements in graft monitoring techniques using zoom videoendoscopy will help avoid graft loss. Selective immunosuppressants with a low incidence of side effects are showing promise. Better prophylactic regimens against opportunistic infections are