Enteric physiology of the transplanted gut: Absorption and motility

Tremendous progress has been made recently in small bowel transplantation. However, our understanding of the enteric function of the transplanted gut remains in its infancy. Unlike many of the other organs commonly transplanted, the function of the transplanted gut appears to be markedly affected by the consequences of the transplantation procedure (denervation, lymphatic disruption, and immune phenomena). This review discusses the effects of gut transplantation on segmental enteric function, concentrating on absorption and motility. Once many of the problems related to the current means of immunosuppression have been better solved, gut transplantation may prove to be an important addition for gastrointestinal surgeons to the care of patients with intestinal insufficiency.