Benefits of a bowel transplant

A bowel transplant is the best treatment option for many people with bowel failure.

Key points

A bowel transplant leads to a longer and better quality life for most people who are able to have one
Most people say they have extra energy and feel more able to cope with everyday activities

Start enjoying life again

Benefits of a bowel transplant partly depend on the reasons for you needing the transplant. Once you have recovered from the operation and clinic visits are less frequent, your quality of life should start to improve.

You are more likely to be able to work, drive, play sports and go on holiday. If you are of childbearing age, you may be able to try for a baby. You can also enjoy a more varied diet.

For patients having a bowel transplant along with other organ transplants (such as liver, pancreas, stomach or kidney), symptoms from problems with other organs usually get better.

More energy for work, travel and activities

Most people who have a bowel transplant say they have more energy and feel more able to cope with work and everyday activities. You are more likely to be able to go on holiday as travel is easier to arrange, and you can exercise and play some sports.

When can you start doing things?

Fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink

Most patients on intravenous feeding have major limitations on eating and drinking as they would like to. If successful, people who have a bowel transplant have fewer restrictions on what they can eat and drink.

Learn about staying healthy after a transplant

You no longer have to rely on intravenous feeding

Many patients having a bowel transplant needed intravenous feeding before it. Although intravenous feeding is lifesaving, it is time consuming and can have issues that shorten life expectancy. A successful bowel transplant will mean that you no longer need intravenous feeding, although some patients will need a period of intravenous fluid support.

More about intravenous feeding

Improved fertility

Your fertility may improve. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may be able to become pregnant after a transplant. Your transplant team will usually suggest that you wait one year before trying for a baby. Please talk to your transplant team first.

Get information on family planning

Go to the next page in this section: Risks of a bowel transplant >