Multi-Organ Transplant Program

Multi-Visceral Transplant

"Multi-visceral" means that more than one organ needs to be transplanted. Some patients need both the intestine and liver; others require several abdominal organs, including the intestine, liver, stomach, and pancreas.

The intestine is a muscular tube located between the stomach and the anus. The intestine's main fucntion is to propel food from the stomach to the anus. The intestine is divided into two major sections: the small intestine and the large intestine. As the food travels through the small and large intestines, fluids and nutrients are absorbed through the wall of the bowel.

The small intestine and the large intestine perform several different functions:

• The small intestine is where the majority of food is digested and absorbed.
• The large intestine is where the water is absorbed and solid waster material is secreted.

Patients become dehydrated and malnourished when the intestine does not function well. These symptoms are common: persistent diarrhea, muscle wasting, poor growth, frequent infections, weight loss, fatigue, and dehydration.