x
Breaking News
More () »

Indiana's first intestine transplant

Two-year-old David Peck became the first patient to receive an intestine transplant at Riley Hospital for Children in 2003.

Last month David Peck woke up from a nap with a horrible stomach ache. It wasn't the flu, it was worse.

Dr. Joseph Tector, a transplant surgeon said, "He had what's called ultra-short gut. There was no chance he could survive the rest of his life with the length of his intestine."

David's small intestine was twisted, choking off the little boy's blood supply. His life was in danger.

"He's the youngest of our three children. So, the possibility of losing our son was not an option," said David's mother, Traci.

Doctors at Riley found an organ in California. This week, Indiana's first intestinal transplant operation was performed. So far David's body has not rejected his new organ.

"David had his first endoscopy. We look at the intestine through a stoma in his abdominal wall and the graft looks perfect," Tector said.

"He's watching cartoons and visiting with his family and he's doing really well," said Traci Peck.

David gets food directly into his stomach through an IV. Another tube take the waste away.

"He knows he has all these tubes. he knows he has all these doctors. He knows what not to touch and what's ok to do," Traci said.

Doctors at Riley will examine the new intestine twice a week. If everything goes well, David should be able to go home within a month.

"We thank God everyday that he continues to help the doctors in their work and continues to help David along," Traci said.

Before You Leave, Check This Out