Small bowel transplant rejection

1. Understanding the cause of small bowel transplant rejection telegra.ph/Understanding-the-cause-of-small-bowel-transplant-rejection-12-25 In recent years, many causing factors of small bowel transplant rejection have been identified. Each case is unique in its own right and the most common reasons for rejection are unknown. However, some of the most recurring factors include heredity, bacterial infections, and other immune system issues that affect the function of the intestine. While it may be rare, there is also a condition called cryptorchidism, which causes problems with the size of the small bowel. If your transplanted small bowel has a problem with absorption due to these or other factors, it may not survive the transplantation. These complications will also make the procedure much more expensive. ● Although the exact causes are not known, one of the more common factors causing small bowel transplant rejection is the immune system. This means that if someone with a weak immune system, such as an HIV/AIDS patient or those with cancer, they run a much higher risk of rejection. The problem with this is that because their immune system is already suffering from other problems, it makes it even harder for their body to accept the new transplanted tissues. The best way to combat this is to take strong medications to boost the immune system before the procedure. ● Another factor causing small bowel transplant rejection is the anatomy of the patient's body. If the small bowel is removed from the person's body too early during the transplant, the body will not have enough time to build up the proper germs and enzymes needed for the procedure to be successful. If the surgery is delayed any further, the transplant is likely to fail. The new tissue will not have the same immune properties that it would normally have and the chances of rejection are much higher. ● Another contributor to small bowel transplant rejection is if a patient has ingested something that is toxic before the procedure. If this happens it becomes much more likely for the body to reject the transplant. One of the common reasons why this happens is because the transplanted bowel will be working in an environment where harmful toxins exist. The body knows that it has been exposed to these toxins so it does its best to expel them as quickly as possible. This means that the digestive system may have trouble building up the enzymes and other substances needed in order for the transplanted small intestine to be successful. ● The last of the factors causing small bowel transplant rejection are genetics. The unknown genetic factors are the most concerning to doctors and researchers and they are believed to be the main cause of rejection. Oftentimes, doctors cannot completely rule out the idea that genetic factors are involved, despite the chances of rejection being extremely low. Unless the doctor has specific information regarding the possible genetic factors causing small bowel transplant rejection, there is no way that the doctor can be sure it won't be the cause of the rejection. 1/2

2. The aforementioned factors are causing small bowel transplant rejection, but doctors have to be very careful when researching them. Some people may feel that they have no reason to worry about the risks involved with the procedure, but there are always risks involved whenever a doctor performs surgery. By learning as much as possible about the factors causing small bowel transplant rejection, patients can feel comfortable knowing that they are as informed as possible. Patients can inform themselves further on transplant rejection by visiting websites like plexision.com 2/2