How is a pancreas transplant performed?
If you need a pancreas transplant, you’re first put on a waiting list. The United Network for Organ Sharing directs where the donated organs go. Sometimes, a living donor may donate a partial pancreas. This means that a piece of pancreas is donated while the other part remains in the donor. As you’re waiting for a new pancreas, your doctors will order blood tests and x-rays. There are three main types of transplants: • Pancreas alone: Only the pancreas is transplanted. • Pancreas and kidney together: Both a pancreas and kidney are transplanted at the same time. • Pancreas after kidney: A pancreas is transplanted in someone who’s already had a kidney transplant. Any type of pancreas transplant is a major operation. After you’re put to sleep (under general anesthesia), your lower abdomen is opened up and the new pancreas is put in. The donated pancreas gets connected to blood vessels and parts of your intestine or bladder. Your own pancreas is usually left in place. Sometimes, people get
If you need a pancreas transplant, you’re first put on a waiting list. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) directs where the donated organs go. Sometimes, a living donor may donate a partial pancreas. This means that a piece of pancreas is donated while the other part remains in the donor. Any type of pancreas transplant is a major operation. After you’re put under general anesthesia (you are not awake for the procedure), your abdomen is opened up and the new pancreas is put in. The donated pancreas gets connected to blood vessels and parts of your intestine or bladder. Your own pancreas is usually left in place. How long does the procedure take? The operation usually takes two to four hours or more. If you’ve had any type of stomach surgery before, the operation can take much longer. Expect to stay in the hospital about a week to 10 days to recover. What are the kinds of pancreas transplants? There are three main types of transplants: • Pancreas alone. Only the pancreas is tra
