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Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands

Pancreas transplant
Definition:
This surgery implants a healthy pancreas from a donor into a patient with diabetes.

Alternative Names:
Transplant - pancreas

Description:

In 1999, there were 1303 pancreas transplants in the United States. The operation may be done at the same time as a kidney transplant in diabetic patients with kidney disease.

The operation is technically more difficult than a kidney transplant. The healthy pancreas is obtained from a donor who has suffered brain-death, but remains on life-support. The healthy pancreas is transported in a cooled saline solution that preserves the organ for up to 24 hours, permitting the necessary analyses to determine blood and tissue donor-recipient matching.

The diseased pancreas and the duodenum are not removed during the operation. The donor pancreas and duodenum are inserted in the right lower portion of the patient's abdomen and attached to their blood vessels and intestine.
Indications:
Pancreas transplant may be recommended for pancreatic disease, especially insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Pancreas transplant surgery is not recommended for patients who have:
Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are: Risks for any surgery are: The body's immune system considers the transplanted organ an infection, and fights it accordingly. Thus, to prevent rejection, organ transplant patients must take drugs (such as cyclosporine and corticosteroids) that suppress the immune response of the body. The disadvantage of these drugs is that they weaken the body's natural defense against various infections.
Expectations after surgery:
Pancreas transplants give patients a chance to become independent of insulin injections. The main problem, as with other transplants, is graft rejection. Immunosuppressive drugs, which weaken the body's ability to fight infections, must be taken indefinitely. Normal activities can resume as soon as the patient is strong enough, and after consulting with the doctor. Having children after a transplant is possible.

The major problems with all organ transplants are:
  • Finding a donor
  • Preventing rejection
  • Cost, especially of the anti-rejection medications
Convalescence:
The recovery period averages 3 weeks. Move the legs often to reduce the risk of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. The sutures or clips are removed about two to three weeks after surgery. Resume normal activity as soon as possible, after consulting with the physician. A diet will be prescribed.
Review Date: 1/22/2002
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, M.D. Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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