Q: Which Doctor Should I Consult for Pancreas Transplantation?
A: Pancreas transplant requires expertise and managing other complications arising at the time of surgery. Hence, an expert transplant surgeon in the field.
Q: On an average, how many patients undergo pancreas transplants?
A: Pancreas transplants are rare and include only 5% of total organ transplants.
Q: Do people with type II diabetes also need to go for pancreas transplant?
A: No. Currently, patients with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes are considered eligible for this type of transplant. Patients with type 2 diabetes are not considered as their pancreas makes enough insulin though it is not utilized effectively.
Q: What is the waiting period usually associated with the pancreas transplant?
A: The average waiting period for pancreas to be obtained from a deceased donor is between 6 months to 2 years. This varies depending on number of factors like severity of the illness and suitable match. However, in most cases pancreas is obtained from a deceased donor.
Q: What are the risks associated with pancreas transplant surgery?
A: Every surgery has some kind of risks associated. In this surgery, risks include blood clotting, bleeding, hyperglycemia, infection, urinary tract infection, rejection of donor pancreas, anti-rejection medicine side effects, and failure of the new pancreas.
