A kidney-pancreas transplant is for people with both kidney failure and type 1 diabetes.
Kidney-pancreas transplant a complex surgical procedure to transplant both a kidney and a pancreas at the same time. Also called a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant, this procedure can help treat end-stage renal disease (ESRD) related to type 1 diabetes.
The pancreas has an important role in digestion and regulating blood sugar. The kidneys filter blood and remove waste from the body.
Kidney failure is a common complication of type 1 diabetes. This is because long-term high blood sugar and high blood pressure from diabetes can cause damage to the filters in your kidneys. This damage can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.
A kidney-pancreas transplant can address both problems simultaneously.
The donor kidney and pancreas may come from the same deceased donor. It is also possible to have the kidney come from a living donor and the pancreas may come from a deceased donor.
Learn more about kidney-pancreas transplantation, including its definition, indications, candidate criteria, the surgical process, post-operative care, and potential risks and complications.
Transplant surgeons at WashU Medicine
Our team of transplant surgeons at WashU Medicine has experience performing a high volume of pancreas and kidney transplants with excellent results at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Transplant Center. We work with a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to your care.
What is a kidney-pancreas transplant?
A kidney-pancreas transplant involves the simultaneous transplantation of a pancreas and a kidney into a patient with severe diabetes and kidney failure. The goal is to restore normal kidney function and insulin production, thereby eliminating the need for dialysis and insulin injections. This procedure improves the quality of life and long-term survival for eligible patients.
Learn more about kidney transplant>>
Who is a candidate for kidney-pancreas transplant?
Adults who have kidney failure caused by type 1 diabetes may be candidates for a kidney-pancreas transplant.
Criteria for the transplant waiting list include:
- Age 18 years or older
- Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure
- Evaluation and approval by a transplant center for kidney and pancreas transplant
Am I a candidate if I have type 2 diabetes?
Kidney-pancreas transplants are primarily for people with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure. In rare cases, a kidney-pancreas transplant may be considered for people with type 2 diabetes. More commonly, a person with type 2 diabetes may be considered for either a pancreas or a kidney transplant, depending on their condition.
Who is not a candidate for kidney-pancreas transplant?
A kidney-pancreas transplant is usually not an option for someone with:
- Cancer
- Substance abuse
- Severe heart or vascular disease
People who are not able to follow treatment instructions also may not be considered eligible for transplant.
The kidney-pancreas transplant process
The first step is to speak with your doctor about kidney-pancreas transplant. This will help you and your health care team determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You will meet with a transplant team, who will evaluate your condition.
If you are a candidate for kidney-pancreas transplant, you will be put on a transplant waiting list. Wait times for a kidney-pancreas transplant vary. In general, the wait time for a kidney-pancreas transplant may be 1 to 3 years.
When a donor kidney and pancreas become available for you, the process moves quickly. Donor organs must be transplanted soon after being removed from the donor.
Kidney-pancreas transplantation is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are asleep throughout the procedure.
During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen. Usually, the kidney transplant happens first. The healthy donor kidney is placed in the abdomen and connected to veins and arteries and the bladder. Next, the healthy donor pancreas is transplanted and connected to blood vessels and the bowel. In most cases, your original kidneys and pancreas are left in place (not removed).
The procedure can typically take 4 to 8 hours.
Recovery after kidney-pancreas transplant
After surgery, most people stay in the hospital for at least a week. Some people may need to stay at the hospital for up to a month, depending on their recovery and condition.
You will need to take immunosuppressive medication for the rest of your life. This medication prevents your body from rejecting the new organs.
You will have regular check-ups with your health care team to monitor organ function, immunosuppressive drugs, and your overall health.
Steps you can take to help stay health after transplant include:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Following your health care provider’s instructions
- Taking all prescribed medication
- Taking steps to prevent infection
A kidney-pancreas transplant offers a life-changing solution for patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease, aiming to restore normal kidney function and insulin production. Early evaluation, diligent post-operative care, and long-term management are crucial for the success of the transplant. Understanding the indications, surgical process, and potential risks and complications is essential for making informed decisions. If you or a loved one are considering a kidney-pancreas transplant, consulting with a specialized transplant team will help develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
