Our Summary

The number of pancreas transplants carried out each year in the US has been falling for over a decade. Despite this, some medical centres are working to increase the number of these transplants they perform by changing how their transplant programs operate. This report discusses these changes and highlights the practices of the high volume centres, suggesting that others could learn from them. With current transplant procedures achieving excellent results that are still improving, pancreas transplants remain a great option for certain patients with diabetes and other related conditions.

The research finds that it’s possible to increase the number of pancreas transplants done at low-volume centres without spending a lot of money. This can be achieved through strong leadership and restructuring of the program. The paper provides several examples of transplant centres that have successfully rejuvenated their pancreas transplant programs by restructuring their teams and operations. It also outlines strategies that can be easily implemented to transform a pancreas transplant program and describes the basic steps that any transplant centre can take to achieve high-volume success.

In conclusion, the decrease in access to pancreas transplantation in the US can be countered by low-volume pancreas transplant programs making simple, affordable changes. This would offer more patients with diabetes access to pancreas transplantation while maintaining excellent results.

FAQs

  1. Why has the number of pancreas transplants in the US been decreasing over the past decade?
  2. What changes can low-volume transplant centres make to increase the number of pancreas transplants they perform?
  3. How can pancreas transplantation serve as a beneficial treatment option for patients with diabetes and other related conditions?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient considering a pancreas transplant is to research and choose a high-volume transplant center. High-volume centers have more experience and expertise in performing pancreas transplants, which can lead to better outcomes for the patient. Additionally, patients should make sure to follow all pre- and post-transplant care instructions provided by their medical team to ensure a successful transplant and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a pancreas transplant include those with type 1 diabetes who have difficulty managing their blood sugar levels despite proper medical treatment, as well as those with type 2 diabetes who are experiencing severe complications such as kidney failure. Additionally, patients with severe hypoglycemia unawareness, where they are unable to detect when their blood sugar levels are dangerously low, may also be recommended for a pancreas transplant.

Overall, pancreas transplants are usually recommended for patients who have exhausted other treatment options and are at high risk for serious complications or death due to their diabetes. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare team to determine if a pancreas transplant is the right option for them.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after a pancreas transplant:

Before transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with diabetes and other related conditions that may require a pancreas transplant.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluation by a transplant team to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a pancreas transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on the waiting list for a donor pancreas.
  4. Patient may undergo dialysis or other treatments while waiting for a transplant.

After transplant:

  1. Patient receives a donor pancreas through a transplant surgery.
  2. Patient spends several days to weeks in the hospital recovering from surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes close monitoring by medical staff to ensure the new pancreas is functioning properly.
  4. Patient may need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.
  5. Patient may experience side effects from the transplant medications and require adjustments to their treatment plan.
  6. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor the health of the transplanted pancreas.
  7. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes to maintain the health of the transplanted organ, such as following a specific diet and exercise regimen.
  8. Patient experiences improved blood sugar control and quality of life as a result of the successful pancreas transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about pancreas transplant include:

  1. Am I a candidate for a pancreas transplant?
  2. What are the benefits and risks of a pancreas transplant for my specific case?
  3. What is the success rate of pancreas transplants at this medical center?
  4. How long is the waiting list for a pancreas transplant?
  5. What is the recovery process like after a pancreas transplant?
  6. How will my diabetes management change after the transplant?
  7. What are the potential complications or side effects of a pancreas transplant?
  8. How will the transplant team monitor my progress after the surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications I will need to take after the transplant?
  10. What support services are available for pancreas transplant recipients at this medical center?

Reference

Authors: Abrams P, Cooper M, Odorico JS. Journal: Curr Opin Organ Transplant. 2018 Aug;23(4):440-447. doi: 10.1097/MOT.0000000000000556. PMID: 29979266