Intestine Transplant Patient and Family Resources

The Pediatric Intestine Transplant team at Children’s knows the concerns of parents with a child in need of a small bowel transplant.

If your child is having an intestinal transplant — or if you simply want to know more about this treatment option — we hope these resources will help answer your questions and give you peace of mind.

Helping Your Child Understand Intestinal Transplantation

Hearing from other children who have had small bowel transplants can help parents and young patients learn what to expect before, during, and after transplant surgery.

• Life Gets Busy for Cody and Nate: A Story About Life After Intestinal Transplant.
• Interview: 16-year-old Intestinal Transplant Patient.
• Interview: 10-year-old Intestinal Transplant Patient.

Intestinal Transplant Safety Tips and Best Practices

Successful recovery and care after a small bowel transplant extends well beyond the hospital stay.

See these tips to help care for the medical and emotional needs of your child once he or she goes home after an intestinal transplant.

• Avoiding Infection After Intestinal Transplant: Learn how to deal with a fever, when to use acetaminophen or aspirin, and about post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).
• Washing Your Hands: Learn the best method of hand washing for intestine transplant patients and caregivers to prevent infection.
• Drawing Up Medications from a Vial: Find out what supplies you'll need and how to draw up medications from a vial.
• Flushing a Catheter: Read about the supplies you'll need and learn how to flush a catheter.
• Food Safety for Intestinal Transplant Patients: Learn how to control the risk of foodborne illnesses, how to cook foods fully, how to clean food prep areas, and more.
• Travel Tips After Intestinal Transplant: Find tips on managing your medications, avoiding infection, and safe food and water when traveling before or after an intestinal transplant.
• Medicare Coverage of Intestinal Transplants: Read how this national coverage policy is making intestinal transplantation possible for more children.