Pancreas Transplant Overview
Pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting a healthy pancreas from a donor into a person who has diabetes and/or other diseases of the pancreas. The procedure helps the recipient to better regulate their blood sugars and improve their overall health. Pancreas transplants are typically performed on those with type 1 diabetes, but can also be done on those with type 2 diabetes and other conditions.
How Rare is a Pancreas Transplant?
Pancreas transplants are relatively rare procedures, with only about 3,000 performed each year in the United States. This is due to a combination of factors, including the availability of donors, the complexity of the surgery, and the cost. The cost of a pancreas transplant can range from $50,000 to $200,000.
Who is Eligible for a Pancreas Transplant?
In order to be eligible for a pancreas transplant, a person must have a diagnosis of diabetes, be in good overall health, be willing to take lifelong immunosuppressant medications, and have a compatible donor. People with type 1 diabetes are typically the most likely to be eligible for a pancreas transplant, as they are more likely to have complications related to the disease.
Benefits of a Pancreas Transplant
A successful pancreas transplant can provide a number of benefits to the recipient, including improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of complications related to diabetes, and a decreased need for insulin injections. In addition, a pancreas transplant can improve the quality of life for the recipient, as they will no longer need to monitor their blood sugar as closely.
Risks of a Pancreas Transplant
As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with a pancreas transplant. These include risks of infection, bleeding, organ rejection, and death. Additionally, the recipient must take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life in order to reduce the risk of organ rejection.
