A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure to cure diabetes by using a healthy pancreas from a donor. It is considered for people with diabetes who have severe complications or are unable to manage their diabetes with other treatments.
The UPMC Center for Pancreas Transplant offers multiple types of pancreas transplants, including:
Those considered for transplant include:
Patients with type 1 diabetes who have normal kidney function and severe hypoglycemia (Clarke score greater than or equal to 4) usually benefit from a pancreas transplant alone.
Patients with kidney failure referred to our center through their nephrologists are typically candidates for either simultaneous pancreas-kidney or pancreas-after-kidney transplant.
A pancreas transplant often slows down or even reverses secondary complications from diabetes, including eye disease, vascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and neuropathy.
Like any surgery, risks associated with pancreas transplant can include infection, bleeding, organ rejection, and complications related to immunosuppressive medication.
The average wait time for an SPK is one to two years; for a PAK or PTA, the wait is two to three years.
After surgery, the pancreas transplant team and your referring physician will create a personalized treatment plan for your post-transplant care and closely watch your lab work and medicine changes.
The team will then educate you and your family about home care, including your:
We'll also work with your referring physician to develop a transition plan for care.
You can play a vital role in the success of your transplant by:
UPMC Montefiore 412-647-5800
The UPMC Center for Transplantation is one of the most recognized and experienced centers in the world. We evaluate many high-risk patients and have excellent outcomes.
To refer a patient to UPMC Montefiore, complete our patient referral form.
If you have any questions about the referral process, contact us.
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For many people, transplant is a viable option for a better life.
As one of the nation’s most active and experienced transplant programs, the UPMC Center for Transplantation has vast experience in kidney, pancreas, and combined kidney-pancreas transplants. From thorough evaluation to world-class treatment, we provide a patient-centered approach to care throughout the entire transplant process.
Katie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 8 years old. After college, Katie booked an appointment with a primary care specialist and received unsettling news. She was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure. In 2023, Katie underwent a rare pancreas-only transplant at UPMC Montefiore, which can offer a potential cure for diabetes.
Read Katie's story.
