Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
After the patient and doctor have decided on a pancreas transplant, a complete immunological study is performed to match the patient to a donor. An extensive medical history and physical examination is performed, including radiological exams,...
blood and urine tests, and psychological evaluation. Once the patient is approved for transplant, he or she will be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Organ Center waiting list. The timing of surgery depends on the availability of a donated living or cadaver organ.
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
A pancreas transplant is an organ transplant that involves implanting a healthy pancreas (one that can produce insulin) into a person who has diabetes. Because the pancreas performs functions necessary in the digestion process, the recipient's native pancreas is left in place, and the donated pancreas attached in a different location. In the event of rejection of the new pancreas, the recipient could not survive without the native pancreas still in place. The healthy pancreas comes from a donor who has just died or it may be a partial pancreas from a living donor. Whole pancreas transplants from living donors are not possible, again because the pancreas is a necessary organ for digestion. At present, pancreas transplants are usually performed in persons with insulin-dependent diabetes who have severe complications.
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.