FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Every patient will be thoroughly evaluated by the transplant team, in consultation with the referring physicians, to determine if pancreas transplantation is the best treatment option for him. Being a good candidate for transplant depends upon his physical health, emotional well-being and the ability to manage medications and care plans.
These patients may qualify for a pancreas transplant only (PTA)
People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent but have good kidney function People who are insulin dependent diabetics with severe acute complications such as hypoglycemic unawareness and ketoacidosis People who develop brittle diabetes after having their pancreas removed for some conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, certain pancreatic tumors or trauma
These patients may qualify for a combined kidney and pancreas transplant (SPK)
People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent with kidney failureA patient’s medical status is a more important consideration than his chronological age, but patients older than age 65 are rarely transplanted
Most transplanted pancreas come from deceased (brain-dead) organ donors. In rare cases, living donors may donate a portion of their pancreas, however, this is not practiced at any center in India
There is no definite answer to this question. Sometimes, patients wait only a few weeks before receiving a donor organ, however, it can also take several months on the waiting list before a suitable donor organ is available
Most patients are insulin-free immediately after surgery. In some cases, it can take upto 24-48 hours
The average time spent in the hospital after pancreas transplant is seven to 10 days
One of the biggest benefit of a pancreas transplant to people with type 1 diabetes is lifestyle improvement. They will no longer need insulin injections, their hypoglycemic unawareness and ketoacidosis episodes will stop and they can enjoy a normal diet along with greater independence and activity
Yes, patients with type 2 diabetes who are insulin dependent, suffers from renal failure, are lean (with BMI < 30 kg/m2) and have minimal comorbidities are candidates for combined pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK)
A successful pancreas transplant has been shown to reverse the established lesions of diabetic nephropathy. It will prevent progression of retinopathy and will improve peripheral neuropathy in the patient. It will also help reduce the risk of future vascular disease, however, it will not reverse any vascular disease that was present before transplant
A pancreas transplant is generally not suitable for patients who have a mild case of type 1 diabetes that responds well to insulin therapy and certain diet restrictions
Post-transplant complications include bleeding, thrombosis (blood clots) in major vessels, pancreatitis, anastomotic leaks, infection and organ rejection. The incidence rate of these complications is small and most of these can usually be managed conservatively.
The rates of patient survival are approximately 97% at 1 year, 92% at 3 years and over 80% at 5 years after SPK transplantation. The rate of organ function is very high, with a half-life of about 10 years. In other words, after 10 years, half of the transplanted pancreases are still working. In terms of solid organ transplants these results are considered significantly good.
In the first year after transplant, patient will be seen every few weeks by the transplant team; these visits will gradually lesson to every two to three months. After the first year, we continue to see our patients every six to 12 months. However, all patients need to be in regular follow-up with the transplant team all their life. This is essential for long term functioning of the transplanted pancreas.
Each pancreas transplant is different, but the success rate of pancreas transplant is very good. The new pancreas will last you a life-time if you take good care of it.
