Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal transplantation is a challenging procedure and many factors effect the success of the intestinal transplantation. One of the important point is selection of the suitable donor. The characteristics of suitable donor for intestinal graft have not well defined yet. The purpose of the present study is to analysis the characteristics of intestinal graft in Turkey and discuss the results with those reported in the the literature.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the donor characteristics (age, weight, cause of death, blood type, creatinine level, serum Na, etc.) of intestinal graft in Turkey. Also medical records of recipients like; age, weight, waiting time on the list, etc. were analyzed. The results were presented by percentages and numbers.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with intestinal failure were registered for intestinal transplantation since 2003. Thirty- two patients underwent intestinal transplantation. Five patients on waiting list died. The present study includes full data of 24 intestinal grafts and intestinal transplant recipients. Only14 (58.3%) donors met The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) criteria for intestinal transplantation. Sixteen (%66) donors were male. Median donor age and weight were 29 years and 75 kg, respectively. Median stay of the donor at Intensive care unit (ICU) was 3 days. Median donor/recipient body weight ratio was 1,41 (min: 0,84,max: 8,00). Ideal weight match was obtained for only 5 (20.8%) transplantations (1,1-0,76).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Intestinal transplantations are being performed in Turkey. Due to donor shortage, ideal donors are not available for use in Turkey. For pediatric donors, reduced size intestinal grafts might be used, but unfortunately recipient-donor weight match is still the most essential problem for improvement of intestinal transplantation procedures.