First transplant of small bowel

The first small intestine transplant in Europe has been carried out at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. The recipient, a married man in his thirties, is now in intensive care. His condition is said to be stable.

The operation signals the start of a small intestine transplant programme at Addenbrooke's, according to a hospital spokesman. It offers hope to many people - most of them young - whose lives are disrupted by injury or disease of the small bowel which has left them unable to eat and digest food normally. Many rely on intravenous feeding.