Braun F, Broering D, Faendrich F. Small intestine transplantation today.
Langenbecks Arch Surg 2007;
392:227-238. [PMID:
17252235 DOI:
10.1007/s00423-006-0134-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Intestinal transplantation has become a life-saving therapy in patients with irreversible loss of intestinal function and complications of total parenteral nutrition.
DISCUSSION
The patient and graft survival rates have improved over the last years, especially after the introduction of tacrolimus and rapamycin. However, intestinal transplantation is more challenging than other types of solid organ transplantation due to its large amount of immune competent cells and its colonization with microorganisms. Moreover, intestinal transplantation is still a low volume procedure with a small number of transplanted patients especially in Germany. A current matter of concern is the late referral of intestinal transplant candidates.
CONCLUSION
Thus, patients often present after onset of life-threatening complications or advanced cholestatic liver disease. Earlier timing of referral for candidacy might result in further improvement of this technique in the near future.
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