Pancreas
Transplant
The Texas Transplant Institute on the campus of Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital* has a very active Pancreas Transplant Program. Pancreas transplant patients are cared for by the same multi-disciplinary team that serves our Kidney Transplant Program.
Many pancreas transplants are done in combination with a kidney transplant with organs from one donor. A pancreas can also be transplanted after a kidney transplant using an organ from a different donor. Patients with type I diabetes (juvenile onset) and kidney disease are always considered for possible kidney-pancreas transplant as a routine part of the Texas Transplant Institute evaluation. To transplant a pancreas, an incision is made in the upper abdomen. The patient’s own pancreas is left in place, and the donor pancreas is attached to the surrounding blood vessels, bile ducts, and stomach.
Types of Transplants
- Combined Kidney-Pancreas Transplant - When type I diabetes is the cause of kidney failure, a kidney and pancreas transplant may be considered. The pancreas and kidney transplant occur simultaneously. This type of transplant will require a longer hospital stay.
- Pancreas After Kidney Transplant - To prevent damage to the newly transplanted kidney a new pancreas can stop the progression of type I diabetes. After a kidney transplant, the transplant physician will determine if this procedure is necessary.
- Pancreas Transplant Alone - A pancreas transplant alone is indicated for a patient whose kidneys have not yet been damaged by diabetes. It is performed on patients with type I diabetes.
Transplant Process
The first step in the transplantation process begins with a referral to the Texas Transplant Institute by the prospective patient's physician. A transplant financial coordinator verifies insurance benefits and begins creating a financial plan regarding all transplant services. Clinic staff then contacts the patient and the referring physician's office to discuss expectations, and schedule an appointment for a half-day pre-transplant evaluation.
During the initial clinic visit, the patient meets with the transplant team including the transplant physician, nurse, dietitian, and social worker for a psychosocial evaluation. After the first visit, the transplant team meets to review and discuss the medical, psychosocial, and diagnostic test results from the evaluation at a patient care conference to determine the plan of care.
Usually within 2 weeks of the first clinic visit, the patient, referring physician, and insurance company are given the recommendations made by the transplant team at the patient care conference. For most patients, additional diagnostic tests are required. The clinic’s scheduling staff will work with the patient to have those tests completed as quickly as possible. While completing these additional tests the patient is added to the UNOS national donor waiting list. At this time, the patient is given specific instructions by the transplant clinic as to the frequency of follow-up while they are waiting for an organ to become available.
Private insurance, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, provides coverage for pancreas transplants. However, the costs may not be fully reimbursed. Our financial coordinators can assist the patient with information and planning.
Our medical, social, and financial specialists are always available to answer questions and provide assistance regarding transplantation.
Transplant Surgery Expectations
Pancreas transplant surgery usually lasts about 3 hours. A combination kidney-pancreas transplant takes a few more hours.
The transplant surgeon will place the new pancreas into the lower abdomen. The patient’s own pancreas will be left in place to aid in digestion. If the patient is also receiving a kidney transplant, the blood vessels of the new kidney will be attached to blood vessels in the lower part of the abdomen.
Following the operation, expect soreness or pain around the incision site while recovering. Recovery time in the hospital is usually about 7 to 10 days, followed by close monitoring for an additional 3 to 4 weeks.
While hospitalized, the multi-disciplinary team of transplant coordinators, dietitians, social workers and support staff provide post-transplant education and support services. The patient is instructed about diet and exercise. Classes are held to teach medication usage. Discharge arrangements are also planned and may include home care, resumption of daily activities, and scheduling of follow-up clinic visits.