Pancreas Transplant

Pancreas transplantation offers a life-changing treatment for eligible patients with severe diabetes, restoring natural insulin production and reducing or eliminating the need for insulin therapy.

UT Southwestern’s multidisciplinary team provides expert care using the latest surgical techniques and post-transplant management strategies to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Pancreas Transplant?

Our Pancreas Transplant Program brings together specialists in transplantation surgery, endocrinology, nephrology, and other key disciplines to provide seamless, coordinated care.

As a leading academic medical center, we combine the latest advancements in transplant medicine with a dedicated, multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Our Program is built on a foundation of excellence in organ transplantation, and we are committed to expanding access to this life-changing treatment. Every step – from the initial evaluation to lifelong post-transplant monitoring – is designed to support our patients’ long-term health and quality of life.

Highlights of our Program include:

• UT Southwestern performs more transplants than any other program in North Texas, offering unparalleled expertise and resources.
• As a high-volume transplant center, we provide pancreas transplants as well as combined kidney-pancreas transplants for eligible patients.
• Our surgeons and specialists use the latest techniques to improve outcomes, reduce recovery time, and enhance long-term health.
• As an academic medical center, UT Southwestern participates in groundbreaking research and clinical trials to advance pancreas transplantation.

What Are the Benefits of Pancreas Transplant?

Most patients report:

• Significant improvement in their quality of life
• Better blood sugar control
• Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications

It’s important to understand that after a pancreas transplant, patients will need to take antirejection medications for the rest of their lives.

What Is the Pancreas Transplant Evaluation Process?

At UT Southwestern, every patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to determine eligibility for pancreas transplantation. The evaluation process includes:

• A full review of medical history and current health status
• Blood tests for tissue typing (to match donor and recipient compatibility) and antibody screening (to check for immune system reactions)
• Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan, and heart function tests
• Cancer screenings and other preventive health assessments
• Consultation with specialists in nephrology and transplant surgery
• A psychosocial evaluation to ensure patients have the necessary support before and after transplant
• Nutritional assessment and guidance on maintaining a healthy weight

Because UT Southwestern prioritizes patient safety and the best possible outcomes, pancreas transplant candidates must be under the age of 50 and have a body mass index (BMI) below 30.

Waitlist

Patients are placed on the pancreas transplant waiting list after they complete a medical evaluation and meet eligibility criteria. Once listed, they continue to accumulate waiting time, even if their status is temporarily inactive due to changes in their health.

What Should Patients Know About Pancreas Transplant Surgery?

During a pancreas transplant, a surgeon places a healthy pancreas into a patient whose pancreas is no longer working properly.

In some cases, a combined kidney-pancreas transplant is performed for patients with diabetes-related kidney disease. This approach allows both organs to be transplanted at the same time, reducing the risk of diabetes-related kidney damage in the future.

The Procedure

Pancreas transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes four to six hours, depending on whether a kidney transplant is also being performed.

A small portion of the donor’s small intestine remains attached to the donor pancreas. This allows the pancreas to drain digestive enzymes properly. During the procedure:

• The donor pancreas and intestine segment are placed in the lower abdomen and connected to the patient’s small intestine or bladder.
• The surgeon also attaches the new pancreas to blood vessels in the lower abdomen to ensure proper blood flow. The patient’s original pancreas usually remains in place to continue producing digestive enzymes.
• If performing a simultaneous kidney transplant, the surgeon places the new kidney in the lower abdomen and connects it to blood vessels and the bladder.

Throughout the surgery, our team carefully monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

What Should Patients Expect After a Pancreas Transplant?

A successful pancreas transplant can significantly improve someone’s health and quality of life, but long-term care is essential for maintaining the new organ.

Recovery

After surgery, patients typically:

• Spend a few days in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring
• Stay in the hospital for about a week, depending on their recovery progress
• Undergo frequent checkups in the first few weeks after discharge

Patients receiving a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant may experience immediate kidney function, and the new pancreas should begin producing insulin right away.

Long-Term Care and Medications

Lifelong follow-up care is required to monitor the function of the transplanted pancreas and prevent complications. Patients must take immunosuppressive medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. These medications help protect the transplant but may also have side effects, including:

• Increased risk of infection
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Bone thinning
• Weight gain or fluid retention

Regular follow-up visits with the transplant team help manage these side effects and ensure long-term health.

Lifestyle Considerations

After a pancreas transplant, patients no longer need insulin therapy and should maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect their new organ. Recommendations include:

• Following a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Staying active with low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Attending regular follow-up appointments to monitor transplant function