Pancreas Transplant
University Medical Center is committed to the fight against diabetes. With more than 21 million Americans currently suffering from the disease, and an additional 54,000,000 people with pre-diabetes conditions, this disease is pandemic. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death for Americans today. For patients who are insulin dependent, especially those whose blood sugars are extremely difficult to regulate, pancreas transplantation is a life improving procedure. Patients that receive a pancreas transplant become insulin independent, and as such, are cured of their diabetes.
UMC also offers combined pancreas/kidney transplants, as diabetes often leads to end-stage renal disease. Our multidisciplinary approach to patient care ensures that patients receiving these multi-organ transplants get the most comprehensive care available. UMC's team approach allows patients the piece of mind that their new organs will be taken care of by the very best.
Why do I need a Pancreas Transplant or Combined Kidney Pancreas Transplant?
The primary indication for pancreas transplant is uncontrollable diabetes. For these patients, no matter how hard they try, they simply cannot control their blood sugar levels. This leads to frequent episodes of hypoglycemic unawareness, and a lifetime of dependence on family members and loved ones. Diabetes is also the leading cause of end stage renal disease, causing diabetic nephropathy. Patients with this disease state can undergo a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant which will both improve and save their lives.
Procedures
Pancreas transplant is a complex and in depth procedure. At UMC, our interest is with the patient, and as such, we require specific testing to make sure that transplant is the very best option for each patient. A patient that is referred to the pancreas transplant program at UMC can expect to undergo the following procedures for transplant surgery clearance:
- Labs
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Chest X-ray
- EKG
- Cardiac stress test
- Radiological dental clearance
- TB skin testing
These tests will be scheduled by your transplant coordinator, and will be performed at UMC. If you are a woman, you will require an annual pap smear, and if you are over 50, you will need a mammogram. The results of the above tests may indicate further testing to verify that transplantation is the absolute best option for you as a patient. Your transplant coordinator can assist with this.
Pancreatic Disease
To learn more about the diseases of the pancreas, see the National Pancreas Foundation
|
