Pancreas Transplants

What is the Pancreas Transplant Procedure?

The pancreas transplant procedure involves replacing a diseased pancreas with a healthy donor organ, restoring the body’s ability to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar naturally. This surgery can be performed alone or alongside a kidney transplant, depending on the patient's needs. The operation typically takes between 3 and 6 hours under general anaesthesia.

A simple explanation for patients

Simply put, a pancreas transplant means placing a healthy pancreas from a donor into a patient’s body to replace the damaged one. This helps in controlling diabetes by enabling your body to produce insulin naturally again.

Why is the Pancreas Transplant Procedure Needed?

Doctors recommend pancreas transplantation primarily for patients with type 1 diabetes who face severe complications or individuals with pancreatic failure impacting insulin production and blood sugar control. Without intervention, the disease can worsen, causing serious organ damage and reduced lifespan. Transplantation offers the potential for insulin independence and symptom relief.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• Type 1 diabetes with frequent hypoglycemia or poor control.

• End-stage renal disease associated with diabetes.

• Severe diabetic complications such as neuropathy or retinopathy.

• Pancreatic failure or chronic pancreatitis.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Pancreas Transplant?

At Manipal Hospitals, considered as one of the best pancreas transplant hospitals, with their expert surgeons and a caring multidisciplinary team ensure excellent transplant outcomes through advanced techniques and comprehensive patient support.

• Specialised Surgeons: Extensive experience in pancreas and combined kidney-pancreas transplants.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Modern operating theatres with advanced transplantation infrastructure.

• Recognised Accreditations: NABH and JCI certified, ensuring patient safety and quality.

• Comprehensive Care: Including pre-transplant evaluation, surgical treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation.

• Support for International Patients: Personalised guidance through every stage from arrival to recovery.

Indications for Pancreas Transplant Procedure

Candidates are carefully evaluated based on medical condition, risks, and the likelihood of benefit from transplantation.

• Severe type 1 diabetes is unsuitable for optimal management.

• Coexisting kidney failure requires combined transplantation.

• Overall health permitting major surgery.

• Commitment to lifelong immunosuppressive therapy.

• Access to ongoing medical follow-up and support.

Who Should Avoid or Delay Pancreas Transplant?

Some patients may need to delay transplant or pursue alternative options based on their overall health or specific contraindications.

• Active infections or uncontrolled illnesses.

• Recent or current malignancies.

• Severe cardiac or pulmonary disease limits surgery safety.

• Non-compliance or lack of social support.

Preparing for Pancreas Transplant Procedure

Preparation steps help maximise safety and success:

• Complete medical evaluation, including tests and imaging.

• Psychological assessment and counselling.

• Preparation of immunosuppressive treatment plans.

• Fasting and hospital arrival instructions.

• Organising travel, visa, and accommodation for international patients.

• Arranging support persons for post-surgical care.

What Happens During the Pancreas Transplant Procedure?

The transplant team performs the surgery under general anaesthesia. They make an incision in the abdomen to place the donor pancreas, connecting the arteries, veins, and digestive tract segments carefully. The procedure takes about 3 to 6 hours based on whether a kidney transplant is performed simultaneously. Following surgery, patients are moved to intensive care for close monitoring.

Step by Step Breakdown

The key steps involve:

• A surgical incision in the abdomen creates access for the surgical procedure.

• The implanted pancreas is placed in the right lower quadrant (iliac) of the abdomen.

• The arteries and veins from the donor are attached to the recipient's blood vessels.

• The drainage from the donor pancreas is connected to either the intestines or the bladder of the recipient.

• The pancreas must be tested for function, and any signs of bleeding must be checked.

• Once the incision has been closed, the patient should be transferred to the recovery room.

Recovery After Pancreas Transplant Surgery

Patients recovering from pancreas transplant surgery must stay in the ICU for continued monitoring, pain management, and beginning their immunosuppression regimen and therefore must undergo some form of physical therapy as they recover to obtain strength again. International patients receive TeleHealth follow-up to monitor graft function and overall health.

Risks & Complications

The risks of pancreas transplant surgery include the possibility of graft rejection, the possibility of infection or bleeding, and adverse effects from immunosuppression. However, transplant specialists closely monitor recipients and can adjust the treatment regimen as necessary.

Benefits of Pancreas Transplant

The benefits of a pancreas transplant include:

• Restoration of natural insulin production: Better blood sugar control without insulin shots.

• Reduction in diabetes-related complications: Protects the kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

• Improved energy and quality of life.

• Possibility of combined kidney-pancreas transplant: Addresses both kidney and pancreas failure.

Cost of Pancreas Transplant Surgery in Manipal Hospitals

Manipal Hospitals provides pancreas transplant surgery at competitive pricing compared to many countries without compromising on quality. Costs usually include surgical fees, hospital stay, medicines, diagnostics, and initial rehabilitation. We offer transparent, personalised quotes to help international patients plan their care.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

We guide international patients with visa assistance, airport transfers, comfortable accommodation, language interpreters, food preferences, and insurance coordination. A dedicated coordinator offers personalised support throughout the transplant journey.