Small bowel transplantation is the life-saving replacement of a dysfunctional or surgically removed section of the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for the absorption of water, vitamins and nutrients. Small bowel recipients require a transplant as the result of diseases such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis or short bowel syndrome. Without a transplant, the patient loses the ability to maintain adequate nutrition and requires intravenous feeding. Successful transplantation results in the recipient’s ability to eat normally and maintain nutritional health without intravenous feeding. The small bowel also can be transplanted in conjunction with other organs such as the pancreas, stomach and liver.