When do you need a bowel transplant?
This is a complex decision and lots of specialists will be there to advise you
Key points
- You will need tests to see if you’re fit enough to cope with bowel transplant surgery
- Your case is then discussed by a team of specialists
- The decision making is complex, taking into account many factors
Bowel transplant assessment tests
If you develop severe bowel disease, your consultant may need to refer you for an assessment at a bowel transplant centre. This may be as an inpatient or an outpatient, depending on the centre. The assessment will involve blood tests, CT/MRI scans and fitness tests.
Decision making process
Your case will be discussed in a national multidisciplinary meeting where a recommendation will be made. This brings together surgeons, bowel doctors, anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, bowel transplant co-ordinators, dieticians, social workers and in some cases a psychiatrist. These specialists will assess the findings of your assessment tests. Your bowel doctor may be invited to attend as well.
The decision making is often complex and takes into account your clinical condition, family support and potential for recovery without a bowel transplant.
The decision to offer a place on the national waiting list is based on both the benefits that a transplant can bring and the risks associated with this treatment.
What happens next?
You will be informed of the decision outcome
Your transplant co-ordinator or consultant will contact you shortly afterwards to discuss the outcome of their meeting and the recommendation for your treatment.
Going on the waiting list for a transplant
If the recommendation is for you to be placed on the waiting list for a transplant, you will be asked if and when you’d like to be activated on the list. You will be reviewed on the waiting list at regular intervals.
In some rare cases you may be assessed and referred to another transplant centre, usually due to the availability of specific expertise.
Getting a second opinion
If you are declined for a bowel transplant at one centre, you can ask for a second opinion from another transplant centre.
National criteria for selecting patients suitable for a bowel transplant
All transplant teams in the UK must follow the national criteria for selecting patients suitable for a bowel transplant.
View the national criteria for selecting bowel transplant patients (POL 194)
