Intestinal Transplantation in Pediatric Patients: A Nursing Challenge Part 2: Intestinal Transplantation and the Immediate Postoperative Period

Intestinal transplantation offers new hope to children with intestinal failure and life-threatening complications of parenteral nutrition. As more transplant centers are adding intestinal transplantation to their existing programs, new challenges are presented to nursing professionals. This three-part series will provide information for nursing professionals regarding evaluation for intestinal transplantation, donor preparation, the surgical procedure, immediate postoperative care of the transplant recipient, and long-term care of the intestinal transplant recipient. This article focuses on donor selection and preparation, the surgical procedure for intestinal transplantation, the immediate postoperative course, immunosuppression, rejection, infections, fluid and electrolyte support, and nutrition. The information presented represents the approach taken at University of Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Health Systems.