Introduction Small intestinal transplantation was first undertaken in Cambridge in 1991 and with advances in immunosuppression agents, outcomes have improved. We present our survival figures from 2006 to 2014.

Method A prospective database is used to record all patients who undergo small intestine (SB), liver/small intestine (LSB), modified multivisceral (MMVT – intestine and stomach) and multivisceral (MVT – intestine, stomach and liver) transplantation at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. All grafts may also contain pancreas, kidney and colon. The NHS Blood and Transplant service derived Kaplan-Meier survival curves for all patients undergoing their first transplant procedure between January 2006 and December 2014.

Results 56 transplant procedures were performed on 50 patients (6 were re-transplanted, all are still alive). 1-year survival in patients transplanted is 92% (SB), 83% (MMVT), 67% (LSB) and 69% (MVT). 5-year survival is 92% (SB), 63% (MMVT) and 27% (MVT) – this data is not available for LSB transplants due to small numbers and follow-up duration of only 14 m. These data compare favourably with international transplant registry 5-year survival figures of 59% (SB) and 22% (MVT).¹Overall 1-year survival for all patients transplanted in our unit is 76% and 5-year survival is 46%.

Conclusion Cambridge is one of 2 UK centres performing intestinal transplantation in adults and we are undertaking an increasing number of procedures – 16 in 2013 and 10 in 2014. We are particularly encouraged by our 92% 5-year survival in patients undergoing isolated SB transplantation and would advocate early referral for assessment in patients with Type 3 intestinal failure who develop complications from home parenteral nutrition. Colon is routinely included in the graft to aid fluid balance and does not preclude regular endoscopic surveillance for rejection. We have performed continuity surgery in a number of patients post transplant (transplanted colon to native colon anastomosis) with good outcomes and no anastomotic leaks.

Due to complications of the oesophagogastric anastomosis, gastroparesis and increased morbidity and mortality of MVT we are moving towards performing more LSB transplants and will monitor outcomes with interest. Detailed pre-operative assessment, individualised procedures, patient optimisation and an emphasis on the multidisciplinary team are essential when managing these complex patients.

Disclosure of interest None Declared.

Reference

1. Intestinal Transplant Registry (ITR) – http://www.intestinaltransplant.org/itr/(Accessed May 2014)