Present status and future perspectives of intestinal transplantation

Transpl Int. 2008 May;21(5):401-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2008.00637.x. Epub 2008 Feb 18.

Abstract

Intestinal transplantation (ITx) is the only definitive therapy for irreversible intestinal failure. Owing to the limited short- and long-term graft survival over the years, ITx has been a complementary treatment to home parenteral nutrition. However, the development of intestinal and multivisceral transplantation has been significant over the past 15-20 years owing to the progress in immunosuppressive therapy, refinement of surgical techniques, post-transplant care, intestinal immunology, and immunological as well as anti-infectious monitoring. The improvement of patient- and graft survival over the last few years together with data on the cost effectiveness of ITx, following 2 years after transplantation, may require a redefinition of the indication for ITx.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / etiology
  • Graft Rejection
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Intestines / transplantation*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Quality of Life