What is Pancreas Transplant: Purpose, Procedure, Results & Costs in India

For millions of Indians living with diabetes, particularly Type 1, the daily battle against fluctuating blood sugar, dietary restrictions, and the looming threat of severe complications is a constant reality. While insulin therapy has revolutionized diabetes management, it doesn't always replicate the body's natural ability to regulate glucose, leaving many vulnerable to debilitating long-term effects. For those facing the most challenging forms of diabetes and its devastating consequences, a groundbreaking medical procedure offers a beacon of hope: a pancreas transplant.

In India, pancreas transplant surgery is emerging as a life-changing treatment, primarily for patients grappling with severe diabetes and its associated complications. While historically the numbers have been modest—less than 100 such transplants performed across the country—the landscape is evolving. With advancements in medical technology, increased expertise, and growing awareness, several major hospitals are now offering this complex yet transformative procedure. This blog delves into what a pancreas transplant entails, its purpose, the intricate process, expected outcomes, potential risks, and the crucial aspect of costs in India, providing a comprehensive guide for patients and their families.

What is Pancreas Transplant?

A pancreas transplant is a highly specialized surgical procedure that involves replacing a diseased or non-functioning pancreas with a healthy pancreas, typically obtained from a deceased organ donor. The primary goal is to restore the body's natural ability to produce insulin, effectively curing diabetes for many recipients. Unlike other organ transplants where the diseased organ is removed, in a pancreas transplant, the recipient's native pancreas is usually left in place. The donated pancreas is carefully positioned in a different area of the abdomen, usually the lower right side, and connected to the recipient's blood vessels and intestine. This allows it to function as a new, insulin-producing organ.

The journey of pancreas transplantation in India, though nascent compared to some Western nations, is marked by significant progress. Indian transplant centers are increasingly equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, achieving results comparable to international standards. This growth signifies a monumental step forward in offering advanced treatment options for severe diabetes in the country.

Types of Pancreas Transplants

The approach to pancreas transplantation is tailored to the individual patient's medical condition, particularly their kidney function. There are three primary types of pancreas transplant procedures performed:

1. Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant (SPK): This is the most common and often preferred type of pancreas transplant, especially for patients with Type 1 diabetes who also suffer from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). These patients are typically on dialysis or nearing the need for it due to diabetic nephropathy, a severe kidney complication of long-standing diabetes. In an SPK procedure, both a new pancreas and a new kidney are transplanted from the same deceased donor during a single surgical operation. The advantage of this approach is that the new kidney is protected from the damaging effects of diabetes by the newly functioning pancreas, which normalizes blood sugar levels. This dual transplant offers the most comprehensive solution for individuals with both diabetes and kidney failure.

2. Pancreas Transplant Alone (PTA): This procedure is reserved for diabetic patients who experience severe, difficult-to-manage diabetes with life-threatening complications, such as frequent and unpredictable severe hypoglycemic episodes (low blood sugar) or hypoglycemic unawareness (where the body doesn't signal low blood sugar). Crucially, these patients must have normal or only minimal kidney dysfunction. The aim of a PTA is solely to achieve insulin independence and resolve the severe diabetic complications, as their kidneys are still functioning adequately. It's a less common procedure than SPK but vital for a specific subset of patients whose diabetes is severely impacting their quality of life and health despite intensive insulin therapy.

3. Pancreas After Kidney Transplant (PAK): This type of transplant is considered for patients who have previously undergone a successful kidney transplant (either from a deceased or living donor) but continue to experience significant complications from their diabetes. The kidney transplant has already addressed their renal failure, but their diabetes remains severe and difficult to control. A PAK allows these patients to achieve insulin independence and further improve their quality of life, without the risks associated with a simultaneous dual organ transplant. This staged approach ensures that the kidney is functioning well before the pancreas transplant is undertaken.

In addition to these whole-organ transplants, Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation is a specialized, less invasive procedure. Instead of transplanting the entire pancreas, only the insulin-producing islet cells are extracted from a deceased donor pancreas and infused into the recipient's liver. This procedure is typically for Type 1 diabetes patients with severe hypoglycemia or extreme difficulty managing blood sugar, and it aims to restore some degree of insulin production without major surgery. While it doesn't always guarantee complete insulin independence as a whole-organ transplant might, it can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of hypoglycemic episodes.

Why is Pancreas Transplant Performed?

The primary purpose of a pancreas transplant is to fundamentally alter the course of diabetes, moving beyond mere management to a potential cure. By restoring the body's natural ability to produce insulin, the procedure aims to achieve stable blood sugar levels and, critically, eliminate the daily need for insulin injections. This metabolic normalization offers profound benefits that extend far beyond simply freeing a patient from needles.

A successful pancreas transplant can halt and, in many cases, potentially reverse some of the most devastating complications caused by long-standing diabetes. These include:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision impairment and blindness.
• Diabetic Nephropathy Recurrence: In patients who have received a kidney transplant due to diabetes-induced kidney failure, a new pancreas can prevent the recurrence of diabetic damage to the transplanted kidney, ensuring its long-term viability.

Beyond the reversal of complications, a pancreas transplant dramatically improves the patient's quality of life. Imagine a life free from constant blood sugar monitoring, strict dietary restrictions, the anxiety of unpredictable blood sugar fluctuations, and the terror of life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes. For many, this procedure represents a return to normalcy, allowing them to engage in physical activities, choose foods more freely, and live without the pervasive burden of diabetes.

Who is a Candidate for Pancreas Transplant?

Pancreas transplantation is not a universal solution for all diabetics; it is a complex procedure with significant risks and is reserved for specific patient populations who stand to gain the most benefit. The primary candidates are:

• Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Severe Complications: This includes individuals experiencing frequent and life-threatening severe hypoglycemic episodes (often accompanied by hypoglycemic unawareness, where they don't feel the symptoms of low blood sugar), recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe and life-threatening complication where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones), or those for whom intensive insulin therapy is no longer effective in controlling blood glucose levels despite maximum efforts. These patients are often enduring a significantly diminished quality of life and are at high risk of acute diabetic crises.

• Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): This is a very common indication, particularly for simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants. When diabetes has severely damaged the kidneys to the point of failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, combining it with a pancreas transplant addresses both critical organ failures simultaneously. This approach has shown excellent outcomes as it protects the new kidney from future diabetic damage.

• Select Type 2 Diabetic Patients with ESRD: While Type 1 diabetes is the predominant indication, a carefully selected group of Type 2 diabetic patients may also benefit, primarily from a combined pancreas-kidney transplant. The crucial criteria for Type 2 diabetics include having end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and, importantly, not exhibiting significant insulin resistance. High insulin resistance can lead to the transplanted pancreas failing prematurely. Therefore, these candidates undergo rigorous screening to ensure they are appropriate for the procedure.

The decision to proceed with a pancreas transplant is always made after a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary transplant team, weighing the potential benefits against the inherent risks for each individual patient.

Preparation for Pancreas Transplant

Preparation for a pancreas transplant is an extensive and rigorous process, designed to ensure the patient is in the best possible health to undergo major surgery and to maximize the chances of a successful outcome. It involves a dedicated multidisciplinary team working collaboratively, comprising transplant surgeons, cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists, dieticians, nurses, and psychologists. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial for identifying suitable candidates and preparing them physically and psychologically.

Key steps involved in the preparation phase include:

• Comprehensive Medical Review and Physical Examination:

  • A thorough assessment of the patient's overall health status, including a detailed history of their diabetes, its duration, severity, and the efficacy of previous insulin therapies.
  • Evaluation of any existing diabetes-related complications and other co-morbidities.
  • Assessment of nutritional status and general physical fitness.

• Extensive Diagnostic Tests: A wide array of tests is conducted to evaluate the function of vital organs and identify any underlying conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery. These include:

  • Blood Tests: Comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood typing, tissue typing (HLA matching for compatibility with a donor), viral markers (HIV, Hepatitis B, C), and screening for other infections. Crucially, C-peptide and blood insulin levels are checked to confirm the absence or minimal production of insulin by the native pancreas.
  • Urine Tests: Urinalysis and 24-hour urine collection to assess kidney function and screen for infections.
  • Imaging Studies:
    • CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: Of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate the size and condition of the native pancreas, surrounding blood vessels, and other abdominal organs.
    • Doppler Ultrasound: To assess blood flow in major vessels, especially those that will be involved in the transplant surgery.
  • Cardiovascular Assessments: Given the high risk of heart disease in diabetic patients, thorough cardiac evaluation is paramount. This typically includes:
    • Echocardiography (Echo): To assess heart structure and function.
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check heart rhythm.
    • Stress Thallium Test or Stress Echocardiogram: To evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle under stress.
    • Coronary Angiography (if indicated): To directly visualize the coronary arteries and identify any blockages, which may require intervention before transplant surgery.
  • Other Specialized Tests: Depending on individual patient needs, tests may include nerve conduction studies to assess neuropathy, ophthalmological exams for retinopathy, and bone density scans.

• Managing Pre-existing Conditions: Any identified medical conditions, such as hypertension, infections, or dental problems, are carefully managed and optimized to ensure the patient is in the best possible state for surgery. This might involve additional treatments or procedures.

• Patient Education and Counseling: This is a vital component of preparation. Patients and their families receive detailed information about every aspect of the procedure, including:

  • The surgical steps, potential risks, and expected benefits.
  • The intensive post-operative care required, including a prolonged hospital stay.
  • The significant lifestyle changes that will be necessary after the transplant.
  • Psychological Counseling: Addresses the emotional aspects of living with a chronic illness, the anxiety of waiting for a donor organ, coping with the transplant process, and adjusting to post-transplant life. This support is crucial for mental well-being and adherence to post-transplant regimens.

• Immunosuppressive Therapy Preparation: A cornerstone of organ transplantation is lifelong immunosuppressive medication to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. Patients receive comprehensive counseling on:

  • The specific types of immunosuppressive drugs they will need.
  • Their dosage regimens and the critical importance of strict adherence.
  • Potential side effects, how to manage them, and warning signs of rejection.
  • The necessity of lifelong follow-ups and monitoring.

• Nutritional Support: A dietician provides personalized nutritional counseling to optimize the patient's health and body weight for the transplant, ensuring adequate nutrient reserves for healing and recovery.

• Registration and Waiting Period:

  • Once deemed eligible after the extensive evaluation, patients are officially placed on a national waiting list for organ transplantation. In India, this is typically managed by organizations like NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) or regional equivalents.
  • The waiting period can vary significantly, ranging from 6 months to 2 years or even longer, depending on several factors:
    • Blood Group Compatibility: The donor and recipient must have compatible blood types.
    • Tissue Matching (HLA Matching): While not as critical for pancreas as for kidney transplants, a good tissue match reduces the risk of rejection.
    • Body Size: Matching the size of the donor pancreas to the recipient is important.
    • Medical Urgency: The severity of the patient's condition.
    • Availability of a Suitable Deceased Donor: This is the most unpredictable factor.
  • During the waiting period, patients remain under close medical supervision, and their health status is regularly reassessed. They must be ready to come to the hospital at short notice when a suitable donor organ becomes available.

This meticulous preparation ensures that when a donor pancreas becomes available, the recipient is medically and psychologically prepared for a procedure that promises a new lease on life.

The Pancreas Transplant Procedure

The pancreas transplant procedure is a complex and highly specialized surgical operation that typically takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete. It is performed by a team of experienced transplant surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses.

Here's a general overview of the procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia, ensuring they are unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery.

2. Incision: The surgeon makes a large incision in the patient's lower abdomen. This incision provides access to the abdominal cavity where the new pancreas will be placed.

3. Placement of the Donor Pancreas:

   • Unlike some other organ transplants, the recipient's native pancreas is usually not removed. It remains in place, although it is no longer functional in terms of insulin production.
   • The donated pancreas, along with a small segment of the donor's duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), is carefully placed in the lower right side of the recipient's abdomen, typically in the pelvic region. This location is chosen because it is easily accessible and has suitable blood vessels.

4. Vascular Connections:

   • The donor pancreas's artery (usually the superior mesenteric artery and splenic artery, which are connected via a Y-graft from the donor's iliac artery) is meticulously connected to an artery in the recipient's pelvis (e.g., the common iliac artery).
   • The donor pancreas's vein (portal vein) is connected to a vein in the recipient (e.g., the common iliac vein or the superior mesenteric vein). These connections establish blood supply to the new organ, allowing it to receive oxygen and nutrients.

5. Ductal Management (Exocrine Drainage): The small segment of the donor duodenum attached to the pancreas is crucial for managing the exocrine secretions (digestive enzymes) produced by the pancreas. There are two main methods for managing this:

   • Enteric Drainage (most common): The donor duodenal segment is connected to the recipient's small intestine (jejunal loop). This allows the pancreatic digestive enzymes to drain directly into the digestive tract, mimicking natural physiology.
   • Bladder Drainage (less common now): The donor duodenal segment is connected to the recipient's bladder. This allows enzymes to drain into the urine. While simpler surgically, it can lead to complications like metabolic acidosis and urinary tract infections, which is why enteric drainage is generally preferred.

6. Closure: Once the connections are secure and the new pancreas is functioning, the surgical incision is closed with sutures or staples. Drains may be placed to remove excess fluid from the surgical site.

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring. The new pancreas typically begins producing insulin almost immediately, and blood sugar levels are closely tracked. The journey to recovery is long and requires vigilant medical care, but for many, it marks the beginning of a life free from the constraints of diabetes.

Understanding Results

Pancreas transplantation in India has demonstrated encouraging results, with success rates that are increasingly comparable to international benchmarks and outcomes observed in other solid organ transplants. These positive results offer significant hope for patients considering this procedure.

Success and Survival Rates

• Patient Survival Rates: Overall, pancreas transplant recipients in India show excellent survival. One-year patient survival rates are reported to be over 95%, which is a testament to the advancements in surgical techniques, immunosuppressive therapies, and post-operative care. The five-year survival rates are also robust, standing at around 88%.
• Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) Transplant Outcomes: For the most common type of transplant, the SPK, the survival rates are particularly high. One-year patient survival is typically 97-99%, and five-year survival rates are approximately 89%. This high success rate reflects the comprehensive benefit of addressing both diabetes and kidney failure simultaneously.
• Insulin Independence: A hallmark of a successful pancreas transplant is the achievement of complete insulin independence. Most recipients no longer require insulin injections, and their blood sugar levels normalize due to the new pancreas functioning effectively. This is a profound outcome, liberating patients from the daily burden of diabetes management.

Improved Quality of Life

The impact of a successful pancreas transplant on a patient's quality of life is immense and often transformative:

• Freedom from Diabetes Management: Patients are freed from the constant cycle of blood sugar monitoring, calculating insulin doses, and the anxiety associated with glycemic control.
• Dietary Flexibility: While a healthy diet remains important, strict dietary restrictions are often significantly relaxed, allowing patients to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
• Enhanced Physical Activity: The normalization of blood sugar levels and improved energy allow patients to participate more freely in physical activities, leading to better overall health and well-being.
• Reduced Fear of Complications: The constant fear of severe hypoglycemic episodes or long-term diabetic complications is largely alleviated, contributing to significant psychological relief.

Reversal and Prevention of Complications

Beyond achieving insulin independence and improving quality of life, a successful pancreas transplant can have a profound impact on diabetes-related complications:

• Reversal of Neuropathy: Many patients experience a significant improvement or even reversal of peripheral neuropathy symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Reversal of Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy can stabilize or even show signs of improvement in some cases, preserving vision.
• Prevention of Nephropathy Recurrence: In patients who have received a kidney transplant, a functioning new pancreas prevents the recurrence of diabetic nephropathy in the transplanted kidney, thereby protecting the new kidney from damage and ensuring its long-term function.

Risks and Potential Complications

While the results are highly encouraging, it is crucial to understand that pancreas transplantation is a major surgical procedure with inherent risks and potential complications. Patients must be fully informed and prepared for these possibilities:

• Surgical Risks: Like any major surgery, there are immediate risks associated with the operation itself:

  • Bleeding: Excessive blood loss during or after surgery.
  • Blood Clotting: Formation of clots in the transplanted organ's blood vessels, which can lead to organ failure.
  • Anesthesia Complications: Adverse reactions to anesthetic agents.
  • Wound Complications: Infection or poor healing at the incision site.
  • Need for Additional Operations: Approximately 1 in 4 patients may require at least one additional operation to address post-surgical complications such as infections, leaks, or vascular issues.

• Organ Rejection: The body's immune system may identify the new pancreas as foreign and attempt to attack it. This is the most significant long-term risk. To prevent rejection, patients must take lifelong immunosuppressive medications. Even with these medications, rejection can occur, sometimes requiring adjustments to medication or further treatment.

• Infection: Immunosuppressive drugs, while vital for preventing rejection, suppress the immune system, making recipients highly vulnerable to various infections. These can range from common infections (like urinary tract infections or pneumonia) to more serious opportunistic infections. Vigilant monitoring and prompt treatment are essential.

• Side Effects of Immunosuppression: Lifelong immunosuppressive medications come with a range of potential side effects, which can vary depending on the specific drugs used. These may include:

  • Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., skin cancer, lymphoma).
  • Kidney dysfunction.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Elevated cholesterol.
  • Bone thinning (osteoporosis).
  • Gastrointestinal issues.
  • Tremors, headaches, or mood changes.
  • Increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (a rare but possible complication, especially if the medications cause insulin resistance).

• Failure of the New Pancreas: There is a possibility that the transplanted pancreas may not function effectively enough to achieve complete insulin independence, or it may fail over time. In such cases, the patient would need to resume insulin therapy.

• Risk of Death: While greatly improved over the years, there remains a small but significant risk of death associated with such a major operation, particularly in the initial months following the transplant due to surgical complications or overwhelming infection.

Despite these risks, for carefully selected patients with severe, life-threatening diabetes complications, the benefits of a successful pancreas transplant often far outweigh the potential downsides, offering a chance at a significantly healthier and more fulfilling life. The decision to undergo a transplant is always a deeply personal one, made after thorough discussion with the transplant team and family.

Costs in India

One of the significant advantages of undergoing a pancreas transplant in India is the comparatively affordable cost, especially when measured against the expenses in Western countries like the USA or Europe. This affordability does not come at the expense of quality; Indian hospitals offering transplants adhere to high international standards of care, boast experienced surgeons, and utilize advanced medical technology. However, the total cost can vary considerably based on multiple factors.

Generally, the cost of a pancreas transplant in India can range from approximately ₹7.95 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs (which translates to roughly USD 10,000 to USD 31,000). It is imperative to understand that this is an estimated range, and a detailed, personalized cost estimate should always be obtained directly from the chosen transplant institution.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors that influence the overall cost:

• Type of Transplant:

  • Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) Transplant: As this procedure involves transplanting two organs and is inherently more complex, it is generally the most expensive option.
  • Pancreas Transplant Alone (PTA) or Pancreas After Kidney (PAK) Transplant: These may be slightly less expensive than SPK, but still involve significant costs due to the complexity of the pancreas transplant itself.

• Hospital and Location:

  • Hospital Tier: Premier private hospitals in metropolitan cities, equipped with advanced infrastructure and renowned transplant programs, typically have higher charges compared to government-funded institutions or smaller private hospitals.
  • City: Costs can vary between major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, which are hubs for advanced medical care.

• Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Highly experienced transplant surgeons with a proven track record of successful outcomes may command higher professional fees, contributing to the overall cost.

• Patient's Medical Condition and Complexity:

  • The overall health of the patient, the presence of any pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., severe cardiac issues, ongoing infections), and the complexity of their diabetes can influence the length of hospital stay, the intensity of pre-operative preparation, and the need for additional medical interventions, all of which add to the cost.
  • Patients requiring more extensive pre-transplant workups or stabilization will incur higher charges.

• Duration of Hospital Stay and Post-operative Care:

  • ICU Stay: The initial critical period after surgery often involves several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which is significantly more expensive than a regular ward.
  • Ward Stay: The total length of hospital stay (which can be several weeks) for recovery and monitoring contributes substantially to the bill.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Numerous blood tests, imaging scans, and other diagnostic procedures are required throughout the hospital stay to monitor organ function, detect rejection, and prevent complications.
  • Medications: The cost of medications administered during hospitalization, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and initial doses of immunosuppressants, is a significant component.

• Organ Procurement and Logistics:

  • Costs associated with retrieving the donor organ, including the surgical team's fees, transportation of the organ (sometimes across states), and preservation fluids, are part of the overall expense. In India, while organ donation itself is altruistic, there are processing and logistic charges.

• Lifelong Immunosuppressive Medications: This is a crucial ongoing expense that patients must budget for, even after discharge. These medications are essential to prevent organ rejection and must be taken for the rest of the patient's life. The monthly cost of these medications can range from several thousands to tens of thousands of rupees, depending on the specific regimen. This ongoing cost is not typically included in the initial transplant package estimate.

Financial Planning and Transparency: Given the substantial financial commitment, it is absolutely critical for patients and their families to engage in thorough financial planning. When inquiring with hospitals, always ask for a detailed, itemized cost estimate that clearly outlines:

• What is included (e.g., pre-operative tests, surgery, ICU, ward stay, initial medications).
• What is not included (e.g., long-term immunosuppressants, follow-up consultations after discharge, potential costs for managing complications).
• Payment schedules and options.
• Information on any available government schemes, charitable trusts, or insurance coverage that might apply.

While the cost is significant, the prospect of a life free from the debilitating effects of severe diabetes and its complications often makes a pancreas transplant a worthwhile investment in health and quality of life for eligible patients.

How Ayu Helps

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long does a transplanted pancreas last? The lifespan of a transplanted pancreas varies. On average, a transplanted pancreas functions well for about 7-10 years, with some lasting much longer. For simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants, the pancreas often lasts as long as the kidney.

2. Will I need insulin injections after a pancreas transplant? The primary goal of a pancreas transplant is to achieve complete insulin independence. Most successful recipients no longer require insulin injections, as the new pancreas produces insulin naturally, regulating blood sugar levels.

3. What is the recovery period like after a pancreas transplant? Initial hospital stay is typically 2-4 weeks, including time in the ICU. Full recovery and return to normal activities can take several months (3-6 months), involving regular follow-ups, careful monitoring, and adherence to medication regimens.

4. Are there dietary restrictions after a pancreas transplant? While the strict dietary restrictions of pre-transplant diabetes are often eased, a healthy, balanced diet is still recommended. Patients will need to avoid foods that might interact with immunosuppressive medications or increase the risk of infection.

5. How often will I need follow-up appointments? Initially, follow-up appointments are very frequent (weekly, then bi-weekly). Over time, if stable, these appointments become less frequent, typically monthly or every few months, but lifelong monitoring by the transplant team is essential.

6. Can Type 2 diabetics receive a pancreas transplant? Yes, in select cases. While primarily for Type 1 diabetes, some Type 2 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease and without significant insulin resistance may be considered for a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant after rigorous evaluation.

7. What are the signs of organ rejection? Symptoms of pancreas rejection can be subtle and non-specific, including fever, tenderness or pain over the transplant site, flu-like symptoms, and elevated blood sugar levels. Regular blood tests are crucial to detect rejection early, often before symptoms appear.

8. What happens if the transplanted pancreas fails? If the transplanted pancreas fails, the patient would need to resume insulin therapy and manage their diabetes as they did before the transplant. In some rare cases, re-transplantation might be considered, but this is less common.

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A pancreas transplant offers a profound opportunity for a healthier, insulin-free life for those severely affected by diabetes. While it is a complex and demanding journey, the dedicated medical professionals in India, coupled with advancing healthcare infrastructure, are making this life-changing procedure increasingly accessible. For eligible patients, it represents not just a treatment, but a true transformation, allowing them to reclaim their lives from the relentless grip of diabetes.