title: Inclusion of the colon in intestinal transplantation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Inclusion of the colon as a component of an intestinal graft has evolved over the past two decades. Initially thought to be hazardous and abandoned by many centers, colon inclusion has now proven to be an integral component of the intestinal transplant graft.The purpose of this review is to summarize the history of colon inclusion, the physiology of the colon, surgical techniques of colon inclusion, and outcome data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent studies at centers of excellence report the efficacy and safety of colon inclusion in intestinal transplantation. Quality-of-life indicators, stool patterns, fecal continence, and parenteral nutrition weaning were noted to be improved in recipients of colonic inclusion. Complex intestinal transplant case series were reported with no adverse effects of colon inclusion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Colon inclusion provides a necessary function in intestinal transplantation by taking advantages of its physiologic functions of water absorption, residue breakdown, and storage. Current clinical evidence supports the efficacy of selective and cautious use of the colon in intestinal transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Center for Intestinal Care and Transplant, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA.
authors.forename: Cal S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Stuart S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Fishbein
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D003672:Defecation; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome