The current status of multivisceral transplantation

BACKGROUND:Multivisceral transplantation (MVTx) is concurrent transplantation of the stomach, spleen pancreaticoduodenal complex, and intestine, with (MVTx) or without (modified MVTx) the liver. MVTx has been performed more frequently worldwide, and the survival of patients approximates that of patients who have undergone transplantation of other solid organs. This review introduces the recent development in MVTx. DATA SOURCES:Two English-language medical databases MEDLINE and SPRINGERLINK, were searched for articles on "multivisceral transplantation", "graft procurement", "immunosuppression,"and related topics. RESULT:MVTx has been the optimal therapy for the intestine with liver failure and/or failure of several other organs, despite many difficulties in preventing rejection and infection. CONCLUSION:Further study is needed to improve the long-term survival of recipients and reduce the complications.