×
Hospitals Doctors Specialities Patient Journeys About Us Partner With Us Contact Us FAQs Virtual Consult
phone icon +91 9211312666 phone icon +91 9211312666

Intestine Transplant

Intestine Transplantation

Intestine transplantation is a surgical treatment used to treat patients with intestinal failure and issues associated with parenteral nutrition (PN). The conditions that may require an intestine transplant can be discovered at birth or as the child grows older.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

For the human body and organs to operate properly, nutrients are required. If they can’t be consumed owing to intestinal failure, they’re given intravenously by total parenteral nutrition, which involves inserting a catheter into the patient’s neck, arm, chest, or groin. Because long-term use of a catheter increases the risk of infections, bone dislocation, and liver disease, an Intestine Transplant has become the only long-term treatment for intestinal failure.

What Is Intestine Transplant

In cases of acute or chronic intestinal failure, an intestine transplant involves surgically removing the diseased part of the small intestine and replacing it with a healthy small intestine from a donor.

One of the rarest types of organ transplants, the intestine transplant's outcomes and survival rates have improved steadily over the past decade. A small bowel or small intestine transplant is another name for this procedure.

People dependent on TPN long-term may suffer and require a small intestine transplant. If children are placed on TPN for an indefinite period, they are more likely to develop major infections or liver problems.

What Is Intestine Failure

Intestinal failure occurs when the gut’s ability to absorb water, macronutrients, micronutrients, and electrolytes is compromised (IF).

The inability to absorb all of the above aspects significantly impacts one’s quality of life.

  • Acute IF (Phase 1 and 2) is the initial stage and can persist from weeks to months.

What Are the Causes of Intestinal Failure

Causes can be congenital or acquired, GI or systemic, benign or malignant.

Causes of intestinal failure include:

  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Celiac Disease
  • Motility Problem
  • Radiation
  • Short Bowel Syndrome

How Intestinal Failure Is Managed

Organ transplants are performed by a surgeon and a team of specialists. This rarely performed surgery requires strategic preparation and risk evaluation. Combined with anaesthetic and dietary knowledge, this greatly improves the odds of success.

How Is an Intestine Transplant Performed

During a small intestine transplant:

  • The surgeons carefully remove the damaged intestine and replace it with a healthy one.
  • The procedure takes about 8 hours or more.
  • The healthy intestine is examined for anomalies or infections before use.
  • According to ileostomy guidelines, a portion of your small bowel is directed through a hole in the belly (stoma).
  • Waste exits the body through the stoma into an external pouch for monitoring.
  • If all goes well, the ileostomy may be closed and bowel rejoined after a few months, although not always.

Recovery: Give your body and mind time to recover fully.

Treatment costs depend on:

  • Hospital choice
  • Room type
  • Treatment type
  • Doctor's fees
  • Medication
  • Diagnostic procedures
  • Follow-up visits

Procedure

What Are the Types and Treatments of Intestinal Transplants

Types of intestine transplants:

  • Isolated Intestinal Graft
  • Combined Intestinal-Liver Graft
  • Multi-Visceral Graft

Treatments:

  • Isolated Intestinal Graft
  • Combined Intestinal-Liver Graft
  • Multi-Visceral Graft

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

  • Undergo a series of tests and scans.
  • Get placed on a donor waiting list.
  • TPN status updated weekly based on lab tests.

During the Procedure

  • You will be under general anaesthesia.
  • The surgery lasts 8–10 hours.
  • Expect tiredness, grogginess, and soreness upon waking.

After the Procedure

  • Transferred to ICU for monitoring.
  • Discharge typically after 4–6 weeks.
  • Mental support from friends and family is encouraged.

Results

The Intestine Transplant Success Rate

  • Current success rate: 70% or higher.
  • The first transplant was attempted in 2013—significant progress since then.

Diet and Nutrition After Transplant

Key precautions:

  • Only eat well-cooked food served hot.
  • Maintain strict hygiene in food preparation.
  • Avoid undercooked animal-based meals and soft cheeses.
  • No raw or undercooked eggs.
  • Prevent cross-contamination of food.

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Can You Go Without Having a Small Intestine?
A: You’d need to be fed intravenously if you lost your entire small intestine. However, complete loss is rare since it's around 20 feet long.

Q: Is It Possible to Donate a Small Intestine?
A: Yes. The small intestine is one of the organs that can be donated after death.

Q: Does the Intestine Regrow?
A: Yes. The gut’s epithelium regenerates every 5 to 7 days.

Q: What Happens If You Remove Your Intestine?
A: You may face issues like loose stools or nutrient deficiency. Ongoing therapy may be required.

Q: Is It Possible to Heal the Intestines?
A: Yes. Damaged portions may be amended or removed, and healthy ends rejoined in a bowel resection procedure.

;