Intestine Transplant

Intestine transplantation (also known as intestinal transplantation or small bowel transplantation) is one of the most expensive medical procedures that replaces the small intestine in both chronic and acute cases of intestinal failure. While alternative therapies such as parenteral nutrition (PN) can often treat intestinal failure, complications such as PN-associated liver disease and short bowel syndrome may make transplantation the only viable option. Intestine transplantation, one of the most uncommon types of organ transplantation, is becoming more common as a therapeutic option due to advancements in immunosuppressive regimens, surgical techniques, PN, and clinical management of pre and post-transplant patients.

There are three types of intestine transplants: isolated intestinal grafts, combined intestinal-liver grafts, and multivisceral grafts that include other abdominal organs. Only sections of the jejunum and ileum are transplanted in the most basic and common graft, an isolated intestinal graft. These procedures are carried out in the absence of liver failure. In the event of severe liver dysfunction caused by PN, enzyme deficiencies, or other underlying factors, the liver and intestine may be transplanted together. The stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and/or colon may be included in a multivisceral graft. When the underlying condition significantly compromises other sections of the digestive system, such as intra-abdominal tumors that have not yet metastasized, extensive venous thrombosis or arterial ischemia of the mesentery, and motility syndromes, multivisceral grafts are considered.

Intestinal transplants are sometimes combined with liver transplants, which raises the cost to around $1,121,800. Almost 80% of these costs are for hospital administration and recovery.

Cost: about $1.1 million