Pancreas Transplant at UPMC

A pancreas transplant is a surgical procedure to cure diabetes by using a healthy pancreas from a donor. It is considered for people with diabetes who have severe complications or are unable to manage their diabetes with other treatments.

The UPMC Center for Pancreas Transplant offers multiple types of pancreas transplants, including:

• Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant.
• Pancreas-after-kidney (PAK) transplant.
• Pancreas transplant alone (PTA).

 Who is a Candidate for a Pancreas Transplant?

Those considered for transplant include:

• People with type 1 diabetes who have serious complications.
• People with severe hypoglycemia unawareness or severe blood sugar management issues.
• People up to age 55 who are not responsive to other treatments.
• Select individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 1 diabetes who have normal kidney function and severe hypoglycemia (Clarke score greater than or equal to 4) usually benefit from a pancreas transplant alone.

Patients with kidney failure referred to our center through their nephrologists are typically candidates for either simultaneous pancreas-kidney or pancreas-after-kidney transplant.

What Are the Benefits of Pancreas Transplant?

A pancreas transplant often slows down or even reverses secondary complications from diabetes, including eye disease, vascular disease, gastrointestinal problems, and neuropathy.

What Are the Risks Associated with Pancreas Transplant?

Like any surgery, risks associated with pancreas transplant can include infection, bleeding, organ rejection, and complications related to immunosuppressive medication.

What are the average wait times?

The average wait time for an SPK is one to two years; for a PAK or PTA, the wait is two to three years.

Recovery after surgery

After surgery, the pancreas transplant team and your referring physician will create a personalized treatment plan for your post-transplant care and closely watch your lab work and medicine changes.

The team will then educate you and your family about home care, including your:

• Activity restrictions.
• Blood test schedule.
• Frequency of follow-up care.
• Medicine schedule.

We'll also work with your referring physician to develop a transition plan for care.

Tips for Success After Transplant Surgery

You can play a vital role in the success of your transplant by:

• Following your immunosuppressant medicine instructions exactly.
• Following up with your transplant team, nephrologist, and PCP, as required.
• Practicing a healthy lifestyle.
• Reading about what to expect after kidney or pancreas transplant (PDF).
• Taking advantage of our support resources to help you transition into life after transplant.

Contact the UPMC Center for Pancreas Transplant

Refer a patient

The UPMC Center for Transplantation is one of the most recognized and experienced centers in the world. We evaluate many high-risk patients and have excellent outcomes.

To refer a patient to UPMC Montefiore, complete our patient referral form.

If you have any questions about the referral process, contact us.

Why Choose UPMC?

For many people, transplant is a viable option for a better life.

As one of the nation’s most active and experienced transplant programs, the UPMC Center for Transplantation has vast experience in kidney, pancreas, and combined kidney-pancreas transplants. From thorough evaluation to world-class treatment, we provide a patient-centered approach to care throughout the entire transplant process.