Intestinal Transplants:
Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television

Sunday, August 27 and December 3
Show 322

David Young suffered from intestinal mal-absorption and pseudo-obstruction. Bottom line, his body was unable to absorb nutrients from the foods he ate.  For many years he was successfully getting nutrition intravenously (a process called TPN, total parenteral nutrition). But eventually, even TPN failed. David needed an intestinal transplant. Although a lifesaver for many, transplants have significant risks of complications from infection. According to Dr. Jonathan Fryer of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, "Fewer than 10 hospitals in the country perform these operations. Patients need to be proactive." David's transplant was successful. His wife Cheryl says, "We're grateful for each other." "We hope to learn from these transplants for other organs," says Dr. Fryer.