Original Research
Copyright ©The Author(s) 1997. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 15, 1997; 3(3): 137-138
Published online Sep 15, 1997. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v3.i3.137
Endoscopic monitoring in small bowel transplantation
You-Sheng Li, Jie-Shou Li, Ning Li, Zhi-Wei Jiang, Yuan-Xin Li, Xiao-Hua Li
You-Sheng Li, Jie-Shou Li, Ning Li, Zhi-Wei Jiang, Yuan-Xin Li, Xiao-Hua Li, Institute of General Surgery, PLA, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: You-Sheng Li, MD, Surgeon in Charge, having 18 papers published, Institute of General Surgery, PLA, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
Telephone: +86-25-4403110
Received: August 15, 1996
Revised: October 20, 1996
Accepted: November 10, 1996
Published online: September 15, 1997
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the role of endoscopic monitoring in small bowel transplantation.

METHODS: This study was conducted in two parts—an initial experimental study followed by a clinical study. In the experimental study, segmental small bowel allotransplantation was performed on white outbred pigs. Stomas were created for exteriorization of the proximal and distal ends of the intestines (Thiry-Vella loop). The grafts were monitored by endoscopy via stomas, with or without immunosuppressive therapy. For the clinical study, the whole small-bowel allograft of a woman with short bowel syndrome was endoscopically monitored via distal stoma.

RESULTS: The most common endoscopic findings of graft rejection following small bowel allotransplantation were mucosal erythema, erosion, and ulceration. Diffuse ulceration with bleeding occurred in the late phase of rejection.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic monitoring is essential to small bowel transplantation.

Keywords: Small intestine/transplantation, Graft rejection, Endoscopy, Intestinal mucosa/pathology