Innovation improving the quality of life

The University of Minnesota offers a history of "firsts".

University of Minnesota surgeons performed the first human intestinal/bowel transplant in the world more than 30 years ago

The process has been refined over the years by improved surgical techniques, better post-transplant monitoring and more effective medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted bowel. In 1996, Rainer Gruessner, M.D., reestablished this procedure at the university by performing intestinal transplants alone as well as combined intestinal and liver transplants.

At University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, we are increasingly using living related donors in transplant surgeries. Thus far, we have performed more than 2,500 kidney transplants and 120 pancreas transplants from live donors. In 1996, we performed the first living donor liver transplant in Minnesota and the first living donor intestinal transplant in the region. We have focused on living related transplantation because this method:

• eliminates long waiting times on transplant lists,
• allows for better tissue compatibility between donor and recipient,
• requires shorter organ preservation times,
• requires less post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy,
• results in a lower incidence of rejection and
  infection,
• allows for optimal timing for both donor and recipient.

Our longest living related intestinal transplant patient received a portion of bowel from his father more than five years ago. Since surgery, he no longer required TPN, gained 65 pounds and graduated from high school. He enjoyed a normal life, and his father continues to do well.