Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

Combined kidney and pancreas transplantation can be a treatment option for patients who have Type I or juvenile onset diabetes. Patients who receive a pancreas transplant no longer have to take insulin to control their diabetes and find they have a better quality of life.

How do I know if I am a candidate for kidney and pancreas transplant?

To be eligible for dual organ transplant, patients must be less than 45 years old and have evidence of kidney failure, but are not necessarily on dialysis. All candidates must also be under the care of a diabetic specialist (endocrinologist).

What does the surgery involve?

The combined kidney and pancreas organs come from the same deceased donor. A kidney and pancreas transplant is about a 5 hour operation. The transplanted kidney is placed in the left side of the abdomen and the transplanted pancreas, along with a small piece of the intestine is placed on the right. The patient’s native kidney and pancreas are not removed. Because the pancreas produces enzymes that help to digest food, it usually drains by way of the pancreatic duct, with pancreas transplant; these enzymes are drained through the small intestine.

Patients are usually discharged within 10 days of surgery and require very close post-op monitoring. Like kidney transplant alone, patients must take medications every day to prevent rejection of the transplanted organs. Frequent lab tests and follow-up visits are required to ensure good function of the transplanted organs.

What if I have a living kidney donor?

For patients who have a living kidney donor, that procedure is done first and the patient remains on the transplant list for a pancreas transplant.