Pancreas Transplant
Pancreas Transplantation Is a Cure for Diabetes
Pancreas transplants can be done either alone or simultaneously with a kidney from the same donor. They are available to patients with insulin-dependent diabetes who have complications of diabetes, such as kidney failure or severe recurrent hypoglycemic episodes. The pancreas team at Cedars-Sinai has the expertise to perform these transplants successfully.
Who Is a Candidate for Pancreas Transplantation?
Although successful pancreas transplantation can allow diabetics to regulate their blood sugar without using insulin, it is not a solution for everyone with diabetes. You may be a candidate for pancreas transplantation if you:
- Have insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) and are on insulin (i.e., generally not indicated for diabetes controlled by diet or pills)
- Have health complications related to diabetes, such as kidney failure or recurrent severe hypoglycemic episodes
- Are between the ages of 18-65
- Have a BMI <28
- Have mild or corrected cardiac disease
- Have minimal to mild iliac artery vascular disease
- Have no active cancer and infection
- Have demonstrated compliance with medical care
- Have a nonsmoking status
Our Approach to Pancreas Transplantation
At Cedars-Sinai, our goal is to help our transplant patients get off the waiting list and on with a healthier life as soon as possible. When you come here for pancreas transplantation, you will benefit from:
Short Wait Times for Transplant
We have one of the highest transplant rates of any center in California. We routinely move patients off the waiting list and into surgery in less than a year. Patients who need simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation also spend less time waiting for organs than those getting kidney transplantation alone.
A Team Approach
Our pancreas transplant team includes surgeons, transplant specialists, nurse coordinators and support staff. These providers work together to create the best care plan for each patient.
Advanced Treatments
Transplant surgery requires careful testing, matching and monitoring to ensure success. We use the latest matching techniques and immunosuppressive therapies to improve outcomes for all our transplant patients.
Supportive Care
We know that the challenges of pancreas transplantation do not end after surgery. We have the resources to help you navigate a healthy life after transplant.
Have Questions or Need Help?
To make an appointment or refer a patient, call us or send a message to the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant care team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.