Pancreas transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a diseased pancreas is replaced with a healthy pancreas that has been obtained from an immunologically compatible cadavear or living donor.



Purpose


The pancreas secretes insulin that regulates glucose (blood sugar) metabolism. Patients with type I diabetes have experienced partial or complete damage to the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Consequently, they are unable to generate sufficient insulin to control blood glucose levels. Long-term uncontrolled high blood glucose levels can cause damage to every system of the body, so type I patients must inject insulin to do the work of the beta cells. Pancreas transplantation allows the body to once again make and secrete its own insulin, and establishes insulin independence for these individuals.


Description


Once a donor pancreas is located and tissue typing deems it compatible, the patient is contacted and prepared for surgery. Blood tests, a chest x ray , and an electrocardiogram (ECG) are performed and an intravenous (IV) line is started for fluid and medication administration. Once the transplant procedure is ready to start, general anesthesia is administered.


The surgeon makes an incision under the ribs and locates the pancreas and duodenum. The pancreas and duodenum (part of the small intestine) are removed. The new pancreas and duodenum are then connected to the patient’s duodenum, and the blood vessels are sutured together to restore blood flow to the new pancreas. The patient’s original pancreas is left in place.


Replacing the duodenum allows the pancreas to drain into the gastrointestinal system. The transplant can also be done creating bladder drainage. Bladder drainage makes it easier to monitor organ rejection because pancreatic secretions can be measured in the patient’s urine. Once the new pancreas is in place, the abdomen and skin are sutured closed. This surgery is often done at the same time as kidney transplant surgery.