Small bowel


This provides selection and allocation policies, along with links to transplant centres. More detailed patient information about small bowel transplantation will be coming soon

What is a small bowel transplant?

A small bowel transplant is a specialised operation to replace a diseased or shortened small bowel with a bowel from a donor. It is also known as an intestinal transplant. 

What is the outcome of a small bowel transplant?

Many factors affect how long a transplanted bowel (intestines) will last and how long people will live after transplantation.

View the annual report on small bowel transplant (PDF, 1.33MB)

Going on the transplant waiting list

View the national policy for the selection of patients on to the UK National Transplant List.

View the national intestinal selection policy

How are organs offered?

Intestinal organs from deceased donors in the UK are offered according to a complex process to ensure equality and fairness.

View the national intestinal organ offering policy for deceased donors

Small bowel transplant facts and stats

1988

Marked the first successful small bowel (intestinal) transplant

20

Adult small bowel transplants were performed in 2021/2022 in the UK*

4

Small bowel transplant centres in the UK

* Data from Annual Report on Intestine Transplantation 2021/22, NHS Blood and Transplant Data from NHS Blood and Transplant, published Sep 2022 (PDF, 1.33MB)

The organ donation process

This document describes how a person suffering from a life-threatening injury in intensive care may possible become a deceased organ donor. 

Download the document (PDF, 525KB) 

Useful links

External links

Links to diabetes organisations

Ask your small bowel doctor (gastroenterologist)

If you have any questions about small bowel transplantation, please speak to your care team who will be able to offer guidance and advice.

NHS Blood and Transplant and the British Transplantation Society update these pages regularly to reflect current UK organ donation and transplantation policies and practice. However, this website is not designed to replace discussions with the transplant teams caring for you. Your transplant team know you and your medical condition best and can give you more detailed information to inform and support your decisions. NHSBT and the BTS do not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage caused to any persons as a result of any reliance placed upon, or decisions made as a result of, information given on this website.