A challenging case study: small bowel transplantation with a unique twist.

Small bowel transplants are a challenging procedure. Simon Turley presents a case study highlighting the considerable challenges faced by stoma care nurses in the management of these patients. The case study presents a UK's first in transplant surgery with a unique twist - a small bowel transplant and a full-thickness abdominal wall replacement. A Bishop-Koop ileostomy was formed, but proved challenging to manage because of its extremely low position incorporated within the lower abdominal suture line; dehiscence of the upper abdominal wound added another care dimension. Collaborative working enabled good patient care, despite a poor outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]