Intestinal Care Program
Our Intestinal Care Program uses the latest treatments to help your child avoid intestinal transplant. The program is led by Dr. Simon Horslen, an internationally renowned liver and intestine specialist.
What is intestinal rehabilitation (IR)?
Intestinal rehabilitation (IR) is the process of restoring intestinal function through diet, medication and non-transplant surgical therapies.
Who should try IR?
Children who have complex digestive conditions that do not allow them to eat by mouth may be good candidates for IR.
Why is IR used?
A child who cannot eat by mouth must take “total parenteral nutrition” or TPN —a complete form of nutrition given intravenously through a central line in the child’s chest, neck or groin. TPN is a lifesaver for patients who are unable to absorb adequate nutrition through their small intestine, but if used long term it can result in liver failure and life-threatening infections.
Our goal with IR therapy is to eliminate or reduce the need for TPN and give patients the physical, emotional and social benefits of eating by mouth.
If intestinal rehabilitation is not successful, or not an option for your child, then intestinal transplant may be the next step.
What does the Intestinal Care Program do?
Our specialists assess children for intestinal disease, liver problems, dietary management and reconstructive surgical options. If we find that your child will benefit from IR, he will participate in an intensive program over several months that includes:
- Detailed evaluation of intestine function
- Individualized nutrition plan to find the diet that your child’s body tolerates best
- Management of bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
- Non-transplant surgical treatments, such as intestine lengthening and tapering where needed
- A gradual weaning from TPN
- Extensive counseling and education for both patients and families
Depending on an individual child’s needs, the initial phase of this program may require a hospital or inpatient stay. This will be followed by regular clinic or outpatient visits. Our goal is to eliminate TPN and prevent the need for intestinal transplant whenever possible.