Spain's first simultaneous intestine-pancreas transplant performed in Madrid, patient now eating normally
Juan Jesús Martínez, 46, underwent a pioneering procedure at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid after years of living on intravenous nutrition.
A life dependent on infusions
Juan Jesús Martínez had suffered a massive intestinal infarction that required removal of both his small and large intestine. He was left with an irreversible chronic intestinal failure secondary to short bowel syndrome, likely caused by polyarteritis nodosa. The rare condition forced him to rely on parenteral nutrition administered through a vein at home. On top of that, he had long-standing type 1 diabetes with poor glycemic control, making his situation even more complex.
They removed my small and large intestine and told me that in the future I would probably be a candidate for a transplant... and in the end, it went well.
The dual transplant
A multidisciplinary team at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre took on the case. Digestive surgeon Jorge Calvo explained that combining the intestine and pancreas into a single composite graft was the right approach. The two organs share vascular anatomy, and transplanting them together is technically simpler and improves the function of both grafts.
The patient had an irreversible chronic intestinal failure... and this suggested to us the idea of performing an intestinal transplant with the pancreatic graft.
The procedure was carried out in March without any intraoperative incidents. Only one previous case of a simultaneous intestine and pancreas transplant has been described in international medical literature.
Recovery and outlook
Martínez was discharged from hospital just 16 days after the surgery. He now eats a near-normal diet orally and takes only the necessary immunosuppressive medication. His recovery has been described as surprisingly good.
He had a surprisingly good recovery and is progressing magnificently, gaining weight and returning to his normal life.
Right now I feel great. My plan is to go skiing again, play padel, go to the gym, and enjoy life with my children and family.
- Simultaneous intestine and pancreas transplant performed at Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid
- Patient discharged after 16 days with favourable postoperative evolution
- Patient continues recovery at home, eating normally and preparing to resume sports activities
A benchmark for complex abdominal transplants
The Unit of Abdominal Organ Transplantation at 12 de Octubre is a national reference centre for complex organ failure. The team stressed that such highly specialised surgeries must be performed in centres with deep experience. The successful outcome adds another milestone to the unit's record.
