Duke offers comprehensive evaluation and care for patients who need small bowel transplants. We offer isolated small bowel transplants and multi-organ transplants which include the small bowel, liver, and kidney.
Small bowel transplants and multi-visceral transplants are still considered investigational treatments for adult and pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome complicated by simultaneous liver failure or chronic total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
These transplants are considered investigational because of the complexity of the surgery and the fact that so few centers in the country perform them.
Duke’s team of physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, and medical psychologists will help determine if a small bowel transplant is the right treatment for you. If and when you become a transplant patient, this same group of professionals will take care of you.
As with most transplants, organ availability is an important factor that limits the number of transplants that can be performed each year.
Surgery
Surgery can take anywhere from six to eight hours depending on whether the surgery is simply a small bowel transplant alone or whether it involves the liver, kidney, or pancreas.
You can expect to be discharged from the hospital within one to two weeks after your operation, but you will need to remain in Durham for at least another six weeks for frequent follow-up visits.
Remember that each person is different, and your recovery depends on the specific way your body heals or the development of complications.
Transplant Coordinators
Julie Hudson, RN, MSN
Patricia Malone, RN
Transplant Social Worker
Karli Pontillo, MSW, LCSW
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
Locations
This service is available at:
