In general, stomach transplants are not performed alone.
When this is done, the procedure is referred to as a multivisceral transplant.
Viscera are internal organs such as the lungs, heart, stomach, liver, or intestines.
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Side effects of these medications may also cause complications since they affect the function of your immune system.
Intestinal transplant is more common than the more extensive multivisceral transplant.
While TPN is life-saving, some of the components in TPN under long-term administration can lead to liver disease.
This is, in particular, true for infants.
Who is Not a Good Candidate?
However, a stomach transplant can be performed in series along with the transplantation of other organs.
A multivisceral transplant (MVTx) is the transplantation of several abdominal organs.
Donor Recipient Selection Process
Several members of a professional team participate in the recipient selection process.
and blood work to detect infections such as cytomegalovirus or HIV.
Donor candidates need to have the necessary organs in good condition.
Living donors are seldom used currently but may be an option for some liver and intestinal transplantations.
Active infections may affect your ability to receive transplantation so preventative measures may be necessary.
Once a donor organ(s) becomes available you will need to go to surgery right away.
During surgery, your surgeon may have several different approaches based upon your individual situation.
If you do not have a functional colon, you will have anileostomyplaced to evacuate stool from your bowels.
However if possible, your surgeon will connect your colon to the transplanted small intestines.
In certain cases, you may start with an ileostomy and have a later reconnective surgery.
Several different types of feeding tubes may be placed.
Your surgeon should discuss with you in detail these risks and any others just prior to the procedure.
Organ rejection is something that can occur anytime you receive an organ transplant from a donor.
Side effects of anti-rejection medications include a suppressed immune response, which may make you susceptible to infections.
Post-operative management following stomach transplant and other gastrointestinal transplants requires management of many different aspects of care.
In particular close attention to rejection of the donor organs is important for successful transplant.
In general, you may be on a ventilator for 48 hours or more.
Renal (kidney) function will also be closely monitored following surgery.
This will be monitored closely with blood analysis and measurement of urine volumes.
It will be important for you to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions in relation to your medication regimen.
Some precautions may be necessary since anti-rejection medication can make you more susceptible to illness.
These rates will likely continue to improve as new developments are made in improving anti-rejection medications.
Your likelihood of survival is also strongly linked to the condition of your health prior to your transplant.
Support and Coping
Coping with any longterm health problems can be difficult.
It can be extremely helpful to talk to others who are experiencing similar issues.
Online support groups are often found easily through social media, including Facebook.
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