The pancreas plays a major role in the human body: it produces digestive enzymes and secrets important hormones and insulin. Pancreatitis has many causes, such as alcoholism and gallstones. But other diseases may damage the pancreas, such as diabetes or mucoviscidosis.

Pancreas transplantation is considered when the organ is too damaged to perform its function well. With this surgery, a healthy pancreas is added to the failing one.

Procedure information
The surgery is scheduled when a compatible pancreas has been donated. A portion of the duodenum is removed together with the donor pancreas, and they are transported to the surgery room.

The patient’s diseased pancreas is not removed during the operation therefore the donor pancreas is inserted in the right lower portion of the patient’s abdomen. The new pancreas is then connected to the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs. The donor duodenum is attached to the patient’s intestine or bladder.

The new pancreas starts working immediately and the old pancreas continues to perform its other function. Pancreas transplant surgery usually lasts about three hours. A pancreas transplant is often combined with a kidney transplant or done after a successful kidney transplant.

Recovery time
Recovery time in the hospital is usually about one week, followed by close monitoring for an additional three to four weeks. It is essential to have light exercise during that time to avoid blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. The incision site might be painful for a while until full recovery.

Rejection is the major problem with pancreas transplant surgery and medication to avoid it will need to be taken by the patient for life. This might have noticeable side effects but they usually decrease as time goes on.

It is essential to be on a healthy diet, monitored by doctors, and to avoid sources of infections, as the immune system will be affected by anti-rejection medication.