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Intestinal Transplant

Intestinal Transplantation at the Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center

100th Intestinal Transplant

In June 2009, UCLA performed its 100th intestinal transplant. UCLA's
intestinal transplantation program, under the direction of
Douglas Farmer, M.D., was established in 1991, and is one of only
five such programs in the country to reach this important target. In
addition, UCLA's intestinal transplant survival rates are equal to or
better than any center in the world, Dr. Farmer says.  Read more 
Transplantation of the intestine is a procedure performed regularly at a few specialized transplant centers in the USA and world. As one of the world’s leaders in solid organ transplantation, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) was one of the first centers to establish a program of intestinal transplantation. This program grew from the already established, successful, and busy liver transplant program in an effort to meet the needs of a unique set of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS or short gut syndrome (SGS)), dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and advanced liver disease. Established in 1991, this program has grown steadily over the past decade under the guidance of Dr Douglas G. Farmer. The Dumont-UCLA Intestinal Transplant Program is one of the largest of its kind in the world offering transplantation of the intestine alone, liver and intestine, and multivisceral combinations to appropriate adult and pediatric candidate needs.

One of the true strengths of the program is the multidisciplinary approach taken for each patient referred for evaluation. This program operates under the larger UCLA Intestinal Failure Center. An experienced team consisting of specialists in transplantation surgery, gastroenterology, hepatology, cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology, nutrition, social work, and psychiatry routinely evaluate the unique needs of this patient population. Intestinal function is carefully assessed based on length, location, and function of remnant intestine. For patients with intestinal failure, the appropriate transplant involving the intestine is recommended. However, intestinal transplantation is not appropriate for all patients and any of a number of medical and/or surgical treatment options can be offered and administered as indicated including intestinal lengthening procedures, restoration of intestinal continuity, and intestinal anastomosis/resections. When appropriate, patients benefit from a long-term, careful follow-up by the multidisciplinary team resulting in optimal care and incorporating changes in the condition of the patient over time.

Dr. Doug G. FarmerThis approach has resulted in continued success over the past decade. Recipients of intestinal transplants at UCLA enjoy one of the highest survival rates in the world. Furthermore, clinical experience, preemptive and prophylaxis therapies have led to reduced rates of rejection and viral infections after transplantation. Successful transplantation leads to independence from TPN and reliance solely on enteral/oral nutrition to meet caloric needs.

Consults are available for intestinal transplant evaluation as well as to assist with the medical and surgical management of patients with difficult gastrointestinal conditions, short bowel syndrome, TPN-dependence, and liver disease. Information concerning the Intestinal Transplant Program at the Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center or concerning intestinal transplantation in general, can be obtained by writing or calling the central offices.

Our Expert Team

Intestinal Transplant Team

Contact Us

UCLA Intestinal Transplant Program (310) 825-2175

How to Schedule Your Evaluation Appointment at UCLA

Intestinal Transplant Links and Downloads

pdf file download What is the Intestine: Introduction to Intestinal Transplantation

pdf file download Intestinal Teaching Handbook

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) provides a toll-free patient services lines to help transplant candidates, recipients, and family members understand organ allocation practices and transplantation data. You may also call this number to discuss problems you may be experiencing with your transplant center or the transplantation system in general. The toll-free patient services line number is 1-888-894-6361 

 

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