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

What are the indications of pancreas transplant?
Pancreatic transplant is performed in a patient with Type I Diabetic Nephropathy. Usually pancreas transplant is performed simultaneously with kidney transplant.

Who cannot receive pancreas transplant?
Malignancy, active infection and other organ failures are contraindications for pancreatic transplantation.

Pre transplant procedures
As part of the pre transplant work up you will have to get certain tests done and will have to consult some doctors to confirm that you are fit for the transplant. Cross matching will be done to ensure your body does not have any antibodies against the new pancreas. Your transplant will be postponed or cancelled if you develop any infection or disease prior to your transplant. So it is important to eat healthy and stay fit.

Transplant surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia .The patient’s pancreas is generally not removed from the body. The new pancreas is placed on the right lower part of the person’s An incision is made under the ribs and the diseased liver is removed. Later the donor liver is transplanted and the blood vessels are connected. The surgery lasts for 6-12 hours.

After the transplant
You will be able to leave the hospital within two or three weeks. Immunosuppressants, the medication that prevents your body from rejecting the new liver has to be taken daily without fail. You will have to strictly adhere to the diet, medications and follow ups as prescribed to stay without complications.