Pancreas Transplant: surgery for Diabetic People
The pancreas is a compound acinotubular gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine organ. The exocrine part of the pancreas helps in the digestion of food, whereas, the endocrine part of the pancreas functions to regulate blood sugar levels. In cases when the pancreas does not function completely then the doctors advise transplant of the pancreas.
A pancreas transplant is done in cases of diabetes when the pancreas is not able to synthesize the required amount of insulin and rarely in a certain type of cancer. A pancreas transplant is the last retort and should be done only when no other option is left.
Types of pancreas transplant
The donors of the pancreas are usually brain dead people
- Transplant of a pancreas alone,
- Transplant of pancreas and kidneys especially in cases of diabetes nephropathy, in such type of pancreas transplant kidneys, are also transplanted as due to high blood sugar levels the kidneys also losses their ability to perform its function. This type of transplant is also known as a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant.
- Transplant of a part of the pancreas. The donor of this type of pancreas transplant is usually biologically close relatives or identical twins.
Examination before transplant
Before transplanting the pancreas the recipient undergoes the following medical examination:
- A blood HIV test.
- Chest X-ray
- Kidney function test
- Echocardiogram or sometimes electrocardiogram or sometimes both.
Contra-indication for pancreas transplant
- History of cancer within the last two years.
- History of heart disease.
- People having coronary disease
- Mal-nourished people.
- People who do not follow doctors advise
- People who are indulged in substance abuse.
Pre-operative care
- Eat healthy and keep yourself healthy
- Exercise regularly
- Take medicines as advised by the doctor
- Do not stress yourself
- Do not smoke tobacco or other harmful drugs.
During the procedure
Anesthesia is administered to the patient. When the patient is under the effect of anesthesia the surgeon makes an incision down the center of the stomach. The surgeon then places the healthy pancreas without removing the diseased pancreas as it helps indigestion. The pancreas is then attached to all major blood vessels.
In cases where the kidneys are also transplanted the kidneys are placed at the site of the kidneys and is connected to the major blood vessels and bladder.
Post-operative care
- After the surgery, the patient is shifted to the ICU for a couple of days.
- Once the patient is stable he is moved to the transplant recovery area where he is kept under observation for a few days.
- After the patient is discharged they are advised to meet the doctors frequently to ensure that there are no complications associated with the transplant.
- Take medicines regularly.
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- Have frequent check-ups.
Complications
- Infections
- Bleeding
- Blood clot or thrombosis
- Rejection of the donated organs by the body
- High blood sugar levels.
Complications caused by medicines
- High blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Osteoporosis
- Hair loss, sometimes excessive hair growth.
- Weight gain