Intestine Transplants
In children, the small intestine is often transplanted in combination with the liver, stomach and pancreas – a multi-organ transplant.
About the Intestine
The intestines – both the small and large – run 25 feet long throughout our bodies, digesting food and helping the body to absorb the necessary nutrients while also getting rid of the waste products. The small intestine handles much of the nutrient absorption, while the large intestines reabsorb water from digested foods and send it back into the blood stream.
Small intestine issues most often require transplants, as the large intestines are not necessary to sustain life. The small intestine can become damaged and not function properly because of short bowel syndrome caused by conditions like tumors, Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, or congenital heart defects.
Transplant
In children, the small intestine is often transplanted in combination with the liver, stomach and pancreas – a multi-organ transplant.
- There are more than 254 people waiting for an intestine transplant in the U.S.
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