Pancreas Transplant: Before Your Surgery

What is a pancreas transplant?

A pancreas transplant is surgery to give you a healthy pancreas. In some cases, this surgery may be combined with a kidney transplant if you also have kidney failure from diabetes. The new organs come from a person (donor) who is deceased.

You may need a transplant if your pancreas doesn't work as it should. This is usually because of type 1 diabetes. But it may also be due to chronic pancreatitis or an injury to the pancreas. The donor organ will do the work that your own pancreas can't do. It will make insulin to control your blood sugar, so you may not have to inject insulin anymore. Even if you still need to inject insulin, controlling your blood sugar may be much easier. It will also make enzymes, or proteins, that help your body digest food.

To do the surgery, the doctor makes a cut (incision) in the middle of your belly. Then the donor pancreas is connected to your small intestine or your bladder so that digestive juices from the pancreas can drain. A small section of the donor's small intestine (the duodenum) is also transplanted for that purpose. The doctor then connects the blood vessels of the donor organ to your blood vessels. Your own pancreas may still help with digestion, so it will be left in your body unless it's causing problems. Then the doctor closes the incision with stitches or staples. The incision will leave a scar that will fade with time.

You may spend the first couple of days in the intensive care unit (ICU). After that, you may spend 1 to 2 weeks in the hospital. It may take 2 to 4 months for your energy to return.

What happens on the day of surgery?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will meet with your surgeon and anesthesia provider.
• You will have several tests done when you arrive.
• If there aren't any problems with the organ, you will go into surgery.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
• The surgery will take about 3 to 6 hours. If you're also getting a new kidney, the surgery may take longer.