The pancreas is a small organ, approximately 6 inches long located in the upper abdomen. It is essential to the digestive process by producing enzymes that help digest protein, fat and carbohydrates before they are absorbed through the intestine. It also produces insulin, which regulates the use of blood sugar throughout the body.
If the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin, the result is diabetes. With diabetes, high levels of sugar develop in the blood that may lead to complications. Long-term complications of diabetes can include heart disease, kidney disease, blood vessel disease, blindness and nerve damage to the legs and feet.
Type 1 Diabetes often is treated with insulin in the form of daily injections. This helps to lower the amount of sugar in the blood. This treatment is monitored closely and adjustments often are made to administer the amount of insulin needed.
A pancreas transplant may be recommended for people if they have Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure. A transplanted pancreas is able to produce steady levels of insulin, which prevents fluctuating levels of high and low blood sugars.
Tests to determine if someone is a good candidate for a pancreas transplant are similar to those for a kidney transplant. Tests include but are not limited to the following.
- Chest X-ray
- EKG
- Stress Test
- Dental Clearance
- Cardiac Clearance
- Pap Smear (women)
- PSA (men)
The age limit for pancreas donation transplant is 45. However, special consideration may be given to those between 45 and 50 years of age.
The average length of hospital stay is 10 to 14 days for a pancreas transplant.
If you are a Type 1 diabetic and have questions about this service, contact the UT Medical Center’s pre-transplant coordinator, Rebecca Jarvis, by calling 865.305.9236. |
