Rare intestinal transplant gives patient a second chance

Doctors at Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikva have performed a rare and complex intestinal transplant on Daniel Haim Biton, a 36-year-old man who lived 17 years without a functioning digestive system. Until now, Daniel relied entirely on total parenteral nutrition delivered through a central vein. Thanks to the transplant, he is expected to regain full digestive function, eat normally, and return to daily life without medical devices or dietary restrictions.

The life-changing procedure was made possible through the organ donation of a six-year-old child who passed away from flu complications. The seven-hour surgery was performed by Dr Eviatar Nesher, Director of the Transplantation Department, together with Dr Aviad Gravetz and a multidisciplinary team including Drs Vladimir Tennak and Fahim Kanani. Daniel is now hospitalised in the general intensive care unit, stable and awake.

Daniel, a trained chef, had dreamed of working in the culinary field since childhood but was forced to limit his activities due to his medical condition. At 19, he underwent multiple surgeries to remove polyps and tumours, culminating in the removal of his intestines. Over the years, he also underwent liver surgery and endured complications that prevented normal digestion. “I lost the ability to truly eat. I felt no taste, no satiety. The transplant will give me back the human feeling of eating like everyone else. It is like being born again,” he said.

“This is one of the most complex and rare procedures and requires precise coordination between multiple teams and advanced surgical skills,” said Dr Nesher. “Daniel is a true fighter. His strength and resilience have moved us all. Thanks to the organ donation from a noble family, he is expected to regain the ability to live fully, work, and pursue his dreams.”

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