Can I get a new stomach? Understanding Stomach Transplants and Alternatives

September 28, 2025 •

3 min read

While it's a common misconception, a standalone stomach transplant is not typically a viable or necessary procedure due to its extreme complexity. However, in specific, rare cases of severe gastrointestinal failure, a stomach may be replaced as part of a multi-organ transplant.

Quick Summary

A standalone stomach transplant is not performed, but the stomach can be replaced as part of a complex multivisceral transplant for severe, multi-organ failure. Most people with localized stomach issues can undergo a total gastrectomy and live a functional life, albeit with dietary adjustments.

Key Points

No Standalone Stomach Transplant: A new stomach is not transplanted alone due to the procedure's complexity and the fact that one can live without a stomach.
Multivisceral Transplant: The stomach is only replaced as part of a multi-organ transplant for patients with severe failure of multiple abdominal organs.
Total Gastrectomy: The more common surgical option for serious stomach conditions, like cancer, is removal of the stomach, with the esophagus connected to the small intestine.
Lifelong Immunosuppressants: Multivisceral transplant recipients must take anti-rejection medications for the rest of their lives, which increases infection risks.
Significant Risks: Both total gastrectomy and multivisceral transplants carry substantial risks, including infection, hemorrhage, and dietary changes.
Dietary Adjustments are Crucial: Life after a gastrectomy or transplant requires smaller, more frequent meals and careful nutritional monitoring.
Non-Surgical Alternatives: For less severe issues, lifestyle changes focusing on diet, stress, and sleep can greatly improve digestive health.

The Rare Reality of a Stomach Transplant

A direct, isolated stomach transplant is not a standard medical practice because it is extremely complex and the body can function without a stomach under certain conditions. Most stomach-related conditions are not severe enough to warrant such an intensive procedure. However, a stomach can be transplanted alongside other organs in a highly specialized, and very rare, multivisceral transplant, reserved for patients with catastrophic and irreversible failure of multiple abdominal organs.

The Common Alternative: A Total Gastrectomy

For many severe stomach conditions, such as advanced stomach cancer, the standard surgical approach is a total gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is removed. The esophagus is connected directly to the small intestine, allowing for digestion with significant dietary adjustments. Patients require smaller, more frequent meals and may need nutritional support, but can lead a fulfilling life. This is far more common for isolated stomach issues.

Exploring the Multivisceral Transplant

A multivisceral transplant is a massive surgery replacing multiple abdominal organs from a single donor. It is considered for widespread organ failure due to conditions like certain cancers, congenital issues, or extensive vascular problems. The procedure is lengthy and requires a team of specialists. Lifelong immunosuppressant medications are necessary to prevent organ rejection.

Conditions That May Necessitate a Multivisceral Transplant

Intestinal failure: Inability to absorb nutrients.
Extensive abdominal tumors: Tumors affecting multiple organs.
Vascular thrombosis: Blood clots in abdominal vessels.
Congenital defects: Severe birth abnormalities affecting multiple GI organs.

Risks and Complications of Major Abdominal Surgeries

Both multivisceral transplants and gastrectomies carry substantial risks. Transplant recipients have additional risks of organ rejection and immunosuppressant side effects. Major abdominal surgeries can lead to complications:

Infection: Elevated risk, especially with immunosuppression.
Organ rejection: Immune system attacking new organs in transplants.
Hemorrhage: Bleeding during or after surgery.
Intestinal leaks: Issues at reconnection sites.
Nutritional deficiencies: Difficulty absorbing vitamins/nutrients.
Dumping syndrome: Rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine after gastrectomy.

Alternatives to Surgery for Digestive Health

For most digestive issues, non-invasive methods like dietary changes and lifestyle modifications are effective.

Dietary Adjustments: Eat a balanced diet with fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods for gut health.
Increased Physical Activity: Regular exercise supports healthy digestion.
Stress Management: Reduce stress through practices like meditation and yoga.
Better Sleep Hygiene: Aim for quality sleep to support a balanced microbiome.
Limit Toxin Exposure: Avoid or reduce alcohol, tobacco, and processed foods.

Comparing Surgical Options for Severe Stomach Conditions


Feature	Multivisceral Transplant	Total Gastrectomy	Bariatric Surgery
Purpose	To replace multiple failing organs in catastrophic cases.	To remove the stomach entirely, usually due to cancer or severe disease.	To reduce stomach size and/or reroute intestines for weight loss and related health issues.
Eligibility	Very strict criteria for multi-organ failure where no other options exist.	For severe stomach disease, most often cancer, where removal is necessary.	For individuals with morbid obesity and related health problems.
Procedure	Replacement of multiple abdominal organs from a donor. Requires lifelong immunosuppressants.	Surgical removal of the stomach and reconnection of the esophagus to the small intestine.	Various procedures that modify the stomach or intestines.
Recovery	Long, complex recovery period.	Significant but manageable recovery, with lifelong dietary changes.	Varies by procedure, generally shorter than transplant or gastrectomy.
Risk Level	Extremely high due to multiple organ replacement and lifelong immunosuppression.	High, but a more standard procedure than multivisceral transplant.	High, but lower than transplant or gastrectomy, with many possible complications.

Conclusion: Consult a Specialist

A standalone stomach transplant is not standard. A multivisceral transplant is an option for severe, multi-organ failure with immense risks and lifelong commitments. Conditions like stomach cancer are often treated with a gastrectomy, allowing patients to adapt to life without a stomach. Non-surgical alternatives are appropriate for most digestive issues. Discuss serious stomach health concerns with a gastroenterologist or surgeon. For more information on multivisceral transplants, refer to Columbia Surgery's Guide to Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation.

Frequently Asked Questions

For stomach cancer, it is far more common and medically appropriate to have a gastrectomy, which is the removal of all or part of the stomach. Many people live healthy lives without a stomach after this procedure.

A multivisceral transplant is an extremely rare and complex surgery where a donor's stomach, intestines, and potentially other abdominal organs are transplanted into a patient with multi-organ failure.

After a total gastrectomy, the surgeon connects your esophagus directly to your small intestine. Your digestive system can still function, but you will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals and may need vitamin supplements.

Since a stomach transplant is part of a multivisceral procedure, the risks include organ rejection, infection due to immunosuppressant drugs, internal bleeding, and other severe complications associated with major surgery.

Yes, for most digestive issues, you can significantly improve gut health with dietary changes, like eating more fiber and fermented foods, increasing exercise, and managing stress.

Yes, it is possible and many people do live without a stomach after a total gastrectomy. With proper dietary management, a functional digestive system can be maintained.

Eligibility is very strict and limited to patients with life-threatening, irreversible failure of multiple abdominal organs where no other treatment options are viable.