Small Intestine

Small Intestines Definition:

The small intestine is part of the digestive system. It is a long tube carrying digested food from stomach to large intestine (Colon).

Small Intestine Functions:

• Digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.
• Production of enzymes that help with digestion.
• Containing cells that fight off bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth.

Facts about small intestine:

• The small intestine is longer than the human body. It's approximately six meters long for adults.
• Small intestine is taller than the large intestine. It is called small intestine because it’s narrower.
• Most nutrients and water from food are absorbed in the small intestine.

 

Reasons for Small intestine transplantation:

• Advanced disease of the small intestine.
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to advanced disease.

Diseases that may require small intestine transplant:

• Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
• Abdominal injuries
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease

How can the small intestine be donated?

By expressing the wish to donate after death by registering the desire through the Tawakkalna application and sharing it with family.

What is Small intestinal transplantation?

Small intestine transplant surgery is a procedure to replace the damaged small intestine with a healthy one from a doner.

The main types of Small intestine transplant:

• Small Intestine Only: recommended for people with small intestine failure without liver diseases.
• Combined Liver and Small Intestine Transplant: recommended for people with small intestine failure with advanced liver disease.
• Multiple Organ Transplant- although not often carried out, this is recommended for people with multiple organ failure, and involves transplanting the stomach, pancreas, duodenum (the first section of small bowel), liver and small bowel.

It’s sometimes possible to carry out a small intestine part transplant using a section of intestine donated by a family member.

What is the duration for which small intestine tissues remain viable for transplantation into the recipient’s body after being removed from the deceased donor’ body?

The small intestine must be transplanted into the recipient’s body within 12 hours after being removed from the deceased donor’ body.

Instructions to be followed post small intestine transplant:

• Most patients are discharged from the hospital post small intestine transplant within 4-6 weeks.
• Patients must stay near the hospital for 1-2 months post small intestine transplant.
• It takes 6 months or more to feel full recovery post small intestine transplant surgery.
• Patients can usually resume practicing light exercise and come back to work a few months post- surgery.

Complications of small intestine transplant:

• Infection.
• Rejection of the new organ by the body.
• Blood clotting.
• Heart problems and respiratory system.
• Side effects of immunosuppressant medicine.