Pancreas Transplant Surgery

A pancreas transplant can help patients with advanced diabetic disease regain optimal health and return to a productive life. Pancreas transplant surgery is primarily performed as a part of treating diabetes, often in concert with kidney transplant as Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney transplantation (SPK) or Pancreas After Kidney transplant (PAK).

Learn more about SPK Learn more about PAK Pancreas Transplant FAQ

As one of the premier pancreatic transplant programs in the Southeast, Piedmont patients experience dramatically shorter wait times - 8.2 months compared to the national average of 13.7 months. Piedmont is also one of the few programs that perform kidney/pancreas transplants in select patients with type II diabetes.

Another population of diabetics that may benefit from solitary pancreas transplantation (PTA) are type I diabetics with relatively normal kidney function who suffer from frequent, severe episodes of hypoglycemic unawareness and the loss of consciousness from low blood sugar.

Understanding Pancreas Disease

The pancreas plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels in the digestive system. However, several factors can contribute to the development of pancreas diseases, including:

• Pancreatitis: This condition involves pancreas inflammation and can be acute or chronic. Gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications or genetic factors may cause pancreatitis.
• Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer is a serious and often aggressive disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for improving outcomes.
• Pancreatic Cysts: These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in or on the pancreas. While some cysts are benign, others may be precancerous or cancerous. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential to determine their nature and appropriate treatment.
• Another population of diabetics that may benefit from solitary pancreas transplantation (PTA) are type I diabetics with relatively normal kidney function who suffer from frequent, severe episodes of hypoglycemic unawareness and the loss of consciousness from low blood sugar.

Diagnosing Pancreas Disease

Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of pancreas diseases. Piedmont Transplant offers state-of-the-art diagnostic services to evaluate and diagnose various pancreatic conditions. Our comprehensive approach may include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Our specialists will carefully review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination to assess symptoms and identify potential risk factors.
• Imaging Tests: We utilize advanced imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), to visualize the pancreas and identify any abnormalities.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests, including pancreatic enzyme levels and tumor markers, help assess pancreatic function and identify potential signs of pancreatic cancer.
• Endoscopic Procedures: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic biopsy allow for direct visualization and tissue sampling of the pancreas, aiding in diagnosing various pancreatic conditions.
• Genetic Testing: In some instances, genetic testing may be recommended to evaluate inherited factors that increase the risk of developing pancreas diseases.

Treatment Options

Based on your diagnosis and individual needs, our expert team develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition. Treatment options may include:

• Medical Management: For certain pancreatic conditions, such as pancreatitis, medications, lifestyle modifications and dietary changes may help manage symptoms and improve pancreatic function.
• Minimally Invasive Interventions: In cases of pancreatic cysts or tumors, minimally invasive procedures such as endoscopic cyst drainage, ablation, or tumor removal may be considered.
• Surgical Interventions: For complex pancreatic conditions, surgery may be necessary. Our skilled surgeons are experienced in performing procedures such as pancreatic resection, Whipple procedure and total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation.
• Transplantation: In advanced cases of pancreatic disease, where conservative treatments have been unsuccessful, pancreatic transplantation may be an option to restore normal pancreatic function and improve quality of life.

Patients requiring a pancreas transplant often have chronic kidney disease, other medical problems and diabetes. Because of these factors, extensive testing is performed before the transplant, including:

Testing Performed Before Transplant:

• Blood work to look at liver and kidney function
• Blood and urine tests to make sure there is no infection (such as HIV, hepatitis, or CMV)
• Imaging tests (for example, chest X-rays, CT scan)
• Cardiac tests (for example, cardiac catheterization and cardiac stress test)

Living with a transplant is a lifelong process. Frequent visits and contact with the transplant team are essential, and we provide support every step of the way in your transplant journey, so you can focus on recovery and rehabilitation.

Piedmont Transplant in Atlanta pioneers many procedures in transplant surgery, and our programs consistently rank among the best in the Southeast and across the country.