Living-related intestinal transplantation for a patient with hypoganglionosis

Abstract: A 14-yr-old boy with total parenteral nutrition-dependent short-bowel syndrome associated with hypoganglionosis underwent the LR-IT by using a 150 cm segment of distal ileum taken from a healthy donor. The graft vessels were connected to infrarenal aorta and inferior vena cava. The immunosuppressive regimen consisted of daclizumab, tacrolimus, and steroid. The graft surveillance for ACR was accomplished using zoom endoscopy and mucosal biopsy. The blood trough level of tacrolimus was maintained between 20 and 25 ng/mL for the first 2 months, followed by 15–20 ng/mL thereafter. The 50 mg of daclizumab was administered on the day of operation, and same dosage was repeated at 2-wk intervals. The first ACR occurred on POD-9 and was progressive, and required a 14-day course of OKT-3 injection. After the treatment with OKT-3, the graft recovered from the ACR, and began to function well enough to discontinue the intravenous nutrition on POD-55. No infectious complication has occurred. The patient was discharged in POD-112, and currently tolerates full oral intake without requiring intravenous nutritional or fluid supplementation. The donor was discharged without any complications. The LR-IT could successfully be performed with minimal risk to the donor, and it can be a treatment of choice for patients with short-gut syndrome associated with hypoganglionosis.