PANCREAS TRANSPLANTATION: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

WHAT IS PANCREATIC TRANSPLANT?

A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure to place a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor into a person whose pancreas no longer functions properly.

WHO NEEDS A PANCREATIC TRANSPLANT?

Some patients with type 1 diabetes have experienced positive results from pancreas transplants. Typically, part or all of a new pancreas is surgically implanted. The old pancreas is left alone; it still makes digestive enzymes, even though it doesn’t make insulin. Most organs are obtained from someone who has died but has decided to be an organ donor.

A transplant of the pancreas is usually reserved for those with serious complications. Pancreas transplants are most often done when a patient also receives a new kidney. The pancreas transplant adds little further risk in this situation and offers big benefits. However, transplant surgery is risky. Each person needs to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.

WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY FOR PANCREAS TRANSPLANT?

Ideal candidates for pancreas transplant have diabetes, but do not have kidney failure, such as those with:

• Insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.
• Diabetes that is difficult to manage.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unawareness.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PANCREAS TRANSPLANT?

Some of the benefits are:

• You may be able to maintain a normal blood glucose level without taking insulin.
• Many of the diabetes-related side effects are prevented or delayed.
• Most people with nerve damage who receive a pancreas transplant do not get worse and sometimes show improvement.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF PANCREAS TRANSPLANT?

The body treats the new pancreas as foreign and the immune system attacks the transplanted pancreas.

Transplant patients must take powerful immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of the new pancreas. Drugs that suppress the immune system can lower resistance to other diseases, such as cancer, and to bacterial and viral infections.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the finest pancreas transplant hospitals in Hyderabad, is the only facility in the region that performs liver, kidney and pancreas transplants.

Pancreas transplant patients choose KIMS because of our reputation, excellent patient outcomes and our commitment to compassionate patient care, making us the go to hospital for pancreas transplant in Hyderabad.

Our pancreas transplant specialist in Hyderabad thoroughly evaluates your condition to determine your best treatment option. If a pancreas transplant is the right treatment for you, our pancreas specialists will provide comprehensive care and education, from your first evaluation through your pancreas transplant and for the rest of your life.