Intestinal failure (IF), typically due to short bowel syndrome in adults and congenital disorders in pediatric patients, is universally managed with parenteral nutrition (PN). When patients fail PN due to recurrent infection, loss of central venous access or PN-induced liver disease, intestinal transplant (ITx) is indicated. ITx consists of transplant of the small bowel, small bowel plus liver, or intestine plus multiple abdominal viscera. ITx allows for freedom from PN but is complicated by rejection and infection. Early referral of patients with IF to centers with experience in intestinal rehabilitation and transplantation is essential to improve patient outcome.
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