Pancreas transplant

Alternative names:

transplant of the pancreas

Expectations after surgery:

Pancreas transplants give patients a chance to become independent of insulin injections. The main problem, as with other transplants, is graft rejection. Immunosuppressive drugs, which weaken the body's ability to fight infections, must be taken indefinitely. Normal activities can resume as soon as the patient feels like it after consulting with the doctor. Having children after a transplant is possible.

The major problems with all organ transplants are:

• finding a donor
• fighting the rejection effect
• cost

Convalescence:

The recovery period averages 3 weeks. Move the legs often to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The sutures or clips are removed about one week after surgery. Resume normal activity as soon as possible after consulting with the physician. A diet will be prescribed.