Intestine Donations

By Josh Shaner, John Pepper &

Zach Zarcone
• The intestines are part
of the digestive system.
• They extend from the
stomach to the anus.
• Most of the body’s
digestion occurs in the
intestines. Intestines are
also responsible for the
absorption of water and
the excretion of waste
material.
Success…
• About 125 intestine
transplants are done in
the U.S. each year.
• 80% of intestine
transplants are
successful.
• More than 70% of
transplant patients are
alive after 3 years.
 Waiting List
• There are currently 236 people waiting
for new intestines in the U.S.
• One out of every thirty-nine patients on
the intestine waiting list die before they
get an intestine.
 Conditions
• Conditions that qualify
one for intestine
transplant include short
gut syndrome,
malabsorbitive bowel
problems, Intestinal
trauma and damage,
and complete Intestinal
failure.
 Recipients cannot be…
• HIV positive
• Live expectancy of less than 5 years
due to old age
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Inability to ingest oral nutriton
• Unrelated neurological illnes that would
interfere with the surgery.
 Donor Restrictions
• Donors are usually considered if
between the ages of 18 and 60.
• The donor must be in good health, as
well as free of high blood pressure,
cancer, and kidney or heart disease.
• There are no age restrictions for donors
or recipients, though persons of ages
18-60 are considered priority.
The Procedure
• Georgetown
University Hospital
does this type of
transplant.
• It does not matter
whether the donor is
alive or dead.
 Costs
• The costs for the donor is nil; their
organ is enough.
• The cost for the recipient is at least
$908,600. The cost for removing the
donor organ/tissue is $75,459.
 Anti-rejection

• Anti-rejection drugs
such as Tacrolimus and
Corticosteroids are
used to facilitate the
transplant, as well as
some anti-bodies that
block a limited amount
of immune system
reactions.
Post-operation lifestyle
• Post-operation
medication must be
taken exactly as the
doctor prescribes.
• Fluid must be given
through the vein, as the
recipient must usually
wait two to six weeks
before eating normally.
• Fluid intake should be
monitored, as well as
vital signs and stool
output.
• Prevent infection.
 Recovery
• After the operation,
recipients are often
weak. However,
exercise is the best
way to recovery.
Exercise with a
physical therapist is
recommended.
 Works Cited
• http://www.a-s-t.org/files/pdf/patient_educatio
• http://www.transplantliving.org/
• http://www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org/
• http://www.ustransplant.org/