Intestinal Rehabilitation

The Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplantation Program at UCSF Children's Hospital treats children and adults with intestinal failure. People with intestinal failure may receive all or some of their nutrients from total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a process of providing liquid nutrition through a catheter placed in a vein. Long-term use of TPN can cause life-threatening complications. Our program helps patients minimize the need for TPN and ultimately transition to eating food.

We have over 20 years of experience with intestinal rehabilitation and treating and caring for infants and children on TPN, who can potentially be transitioned to oral or tube feedings. Successful intestinal rehabilitation is achieved through individualized care that incorporates the expertise of doctors, surgeons, dietitians, nurses, social workers, child life specialists and pharmacists all specially trained in caring for children.

Your child may be a candidate for dietary and medical treatments, or surgical treatments such as bowel lengthening procedures. As leaders in the field, our pediatric surgeons have been performing traditional and innovative bowel tapering and lengthening surgeries, such as the Bianchi intestinal lengthening procedure, for over 25 years.

Many but not all patients can be weaned from TPN. Studies have shown that 65 percent of patients with intestinal failure can be weaned from TPN with treatment. Another 25 percent of patients can significantly decrease the time on TPN each week. When total weaning is not possible, we help patients manage TPN and avoid complications.

Our experts consult with other doctors regarding how to best manage patients with intestinal failure. In addition, we treat children with digestive disorders who cannot tolerate a normal oral diet.

For a few patients with intestinal failure who cannot be weaned from TPN and who have life-threatening complications, intestinal transplant is an option.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007