International Congress Brings Together Experts on Intestinal Failure

The international CIIRTA congress, held every two years, is the leading platform for discussing and sharing knowledge on intestinal failure, a serious condition where patients depend on intravenous fluids and nutrition to survive. The congress, held in Gothenburg, brought together gastroenterologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, transplant surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to exchange experiences and research findings.

Karolinska University Hospital and Sahlgrenska University Hospital were the main organizers of this year’s congress, with several staff members from Karolinska taking part in the local organizing committee. Both hospitals serve as national highly specialized care units for intestinal failure in both adults and children and play a leading role internationally in this field.

“The congress was a success, and collaboration has been further strengthened between Karolinska’s Intestinal Failure Centre, the Intestinal Rehabilitation Team at Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, as well as Sahlgrenska’s Transplantation Unit and Intestinal Failure Centre,” says Francesca Bresso, Head of Section for Gastroenterology at the Digestive Diseases Center at Karolinska University Hospital. She continues:

“Several professional groups from Karolinska participated in the meeting and had the opportunity to network and exchange experiences with international colleagues. A number of collaborations and projects have already been initiated to further improve care for our patients.”

Karolinska holds two NHV assignments in intestinal failure

Karolinska University Hospital has two National Highly Specialized Care (NHV) assignments in intestinal failure: one for adults and one for children.

“These assignments mean that the hospital provides complex medical and surgical care over long periods. In some cases, intestinal failure can be reversed through surgical reconstruction or medical growth factor treatment. The hospital also works closely with the Transplantation Unit at Sahlgrenska, which performs intestinal transplants,” says Francesca Bresso.

“The care of these conditions is rare and complex, with risks of complications. By centralizing care to national centers, several countries have achieved very good results,” says Mattias Soop, Head of Section for Surgery of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Failure at the Digestive Diseases Center at Karolinska University Hospital. He adds:

“The CIIRTA congress offers a unique opportunity for participants to discuss the latest advances in the treatment and care of intestinal failure, and to strengthen collaboration between international experts.”