Pancreas transplant can be a method of treating type 1 diabetes. People struggling with this disease most often undergo simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation. All because diabetes has already destroyed the kidneys and transplantation of both organs is a chance to save the patient. Find out what a pancreas transplant is.

Pancreas transplantcan be a method of treating type 1 diabetes. Pancreas transplantation can be done in three ways - only pancreas transplant,simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant and pancreas transplant by kidney.

Transplantation of the pancreas itself (the so-called pre-transplant) is performed in patients with properly working kidneys, who have significant fluctuations in glycaemia despite proper insulin treatment. This condition can lead to the development of serious diabetes complications, and surgery can prevent this from happening. An alternative to this procedure isislettransplantation, which however is not as effective as a whole organ transplant. However, pancreatic transplantation is performed in only a few patients. Usually, diabetes has already destroyed the kidneys and lead to other complications. Then, a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant is performed and it is the most common type of pancreatic transplant. It is also possible to perform a pancreas transplant after a kidney, but then the organs come from two different donors, which reduces the patient's chances of recovery.

Pancreas transplant - contraindications

Generally, young people up to the age of 45 are qualified for simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplantation.

Kidney and pancreas transplantation should be performed as soon as possible, it prevents the progression of diabetes complications and ensures full rehabilitation of the patient.

However, before the final decision to transplant is made, they are thoroughly researched. First of all, the condition of the circulatory system should be assessed. People with coronary heart disease, stroke survivors and advanced peripheral arteriosclerosis are not eligible for attachment, just as people who have had or are suffering from cancer, suffer from lung disease, or have active infections (e.g. hepatitis C).

Patients with renal failure in the course of diabetes should beentering a chronic dialysis treatment program early enough, with serum creatinine levels of 4-5 mg / dL.

Important

Do you have an unstable form of type 1 diabetes? The disease is aggressive, does retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy or vascular complications appear? Report to a visit to the transplant clinic! People who successfully have a pancreas transplant have a chance of being completely cured. In Poland, pancreatic transplant centers are located in Katowice, Szczecin and Warsaw.

Pancreas transplant - what is it?

In the case of a simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplant, both organs are implanted in the pelvic area - on the inside of the iliac plates, and the pancreatic and kidney arteries are connected to the internal iliac arteries. If the entire pancreas is implanted (which is not always the case), the duodenum is also implanted. Thanks to the transplant, the development of diabetes is inhibited and the new pancreas from the deceased donor begins to produce insulin.

Following pancreatic transplantation, the patient takes immunosuppressive medications daily to prevent rejection. This treatment is necessary for the entire lifetime of the graft.

Pancreas transplant - complications

Complications include: vascular thrombosis, any type of deep abdominal infection related to ischemia, inflammation or organ rejection, leakage of pancreatic juice or at the site of duodeno-intestinal or duodeno-bladder anastomosis. It is estimated that they occur in 30-35 percent. patients.

Pancreas transplant - prognosis

U 70 percent after three years, both organs are still functioning.

Category:

Gastrology