Pancreas Transplant

A pancreas transplant involves replacing a diseased pancreas with a healthier one from a living or deceased donor. It is used to achieve total independence from injectable insulins in patients with type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes have recently been getting this procedure. The pancreas’ function is to restore the body’s normal blood glucose levels by releasing insulin directly into the bloodstream. The pancreas cannot produce insulin to control blood sugar levels in severely affected diabetic patients or those with pancreatic failure. Pancreas transplant in India is only done in a few malignant situations.

Pancreas Transplant Cost in India is often a fraction of what it costs in the United States and other developed countries for the same procedure and care. The country is renowned for providing high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare. For patients traveling for Pancreas Transplant in India, the best facilities are available with inexpensive healthcare packages, top-notch medical equipment, and the assurance of excellent medical staff.

What is Pancreas?

The pancreas is a gastrointestinal organ that is found in the abdomen. It is responsible for transforming the food we ingest into energy for our body cells. The exocrine digesting and endocrine blood sugar management are the pancreas’ two main jobs.

The pancreas is located on the upper left abdomen, behind the stomach. Other organs such as the small intestine, liver, and spleen surround it. It’s spongy, roughly six to ten inches long, and shaped like a flat pear or a fish with a horizontally stretched tail.

The head of the pancreas, which is the wide section, is positioned toward the center of the abdomen. At the point where the stomach meets the first part of the small intestine, the pancreas’ head is found. The pancreas releases digestion enzymes into these contents after the stomach empties partially digested food into the intestine.

The pancreas’ primary purpose is to create insulin, a hormone that keeps our blood glucose levels in control.

The pancreas ceases producing enough insulin hormone in certain diseases, such as Diabetes. As a result, the cell’s glucose intake regulation mechanism is disrupted. Pancreas Transplant in India is one of the treatment options in this situation.

What Do You Mean by the Term Pancreas Transplant

A pancreas transplant in India is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of a non-functioning pancreas with a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor.

The human pancreas is in charge of secreting the hormone insulin, which regulates and maintains the levels of sugar (glucose) in our cells. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise too quickly, which is unhealthy. This leads to Type 1 Diabetes, which is one of the most common conditions that can be corrected with a pancreas transplant.

Pancreas transplants in India have a very high success rate. After a successful pancreas transplant, 95% had a one-year improvement in life expectancy, and 88% had a five-year increase in life expectancy.

Who is Eligible For Pancreas Transplant

For individuals with severe Type 1 Diabetes problems, a pancreas transplant is frequently the last option. If the traditional treatments have a good chance of working, the doctor will usually not recommend a pancreatic transplant. It’s because pancreatic transplants have a lot of possible negative effects. Other medical issues that may necessitate a pancreatic transplant include:

Pancreas transplant for diabetes: Type 1 diabetes that is resistant to conventional therapy
Insulin reactivity
Consistently low blood sugar levels
Pancreas transplant for cancer: Kidney disease or injury that is severe
Low insulin resistance and low insulin production are both linked to type 2 diabetes

As there are a number of variables that affect Pancreas Transplant Cost in India, this includes the type of treatment, the method employed, as well as the hospital and location of choice, the doctor’s qualifications, and so on.

Factors That Can Affect Pancreas Transplant Cost in India

Medication costs
Duration of treatment
Geographical location
Hospitalization expenses
Government policies and subsidies
Medical tourism packages
Hospital reputation and infrastructure
The expertise and experience of medical professionals
The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures
The choice of treatment modality

Furthermore, the standard and caliber of medical services and amenities provided are comparable to esteemed healthcare establishments globally, despite taking into account expenses for lodging, food, and travel.

Procedure

How Pancreas Transplant Procedure Is Performed

Before the Transplantation

Finding a donor is the first step. International patients are not permitted to undergo cadaveric transplantation in India. Living donor transplantation via a twin or close relative who is a good HLA match is the only alternative.
The patient will receive a portion of the pancreas, not the entire organ.
Pre-transplant tests include:
- HLA/Tissue Typing
- Blood Tests
- MRI/ CT Scan/ PET Scan
- Echocardiogram
- Medical History and psychological Evaluation

During the Transplantation

Done under general anesthesia (3 to 6 hours duration)
A deep incision is made in the abdomen
Donor pancreas (and part of small intestine) implanted
Blood vessels and intestines connected to recipient
Recipient’s own pancreas remains
Incision closed with stitches
Sent to recovery room

After the Transplantation

ICU monitoring
Function tests on major organs
Anti-rejection medications
Shifted to regular ward after 1-2 days
Discharged once stable

The new pancreas begins functioning immediately. Acute or chronic immune rejection is still a possibility.

Post-operative Lifestyle Guidelines:

Maintain a balanced diet
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages
Smoking should be avoided
Keep a healthy weight
Maintain good hygiene

How to Choose a Hospital For Pancreas Transplant?

Quality certificates and accreditations
Hospital and transportation facility location
Team of doctors and surgeons
Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
International patient assistance

Why Do Individuals Prefer to Have Pancreas Transplant in India?

Pancreas Transplant cost in India is a fraction of developed countries
Type of medical procedure, patient’s condition, doctor’s skill affect final cost
Accredited hospitals (NABH, JCI)
Pre-operative evaluations, minimally invasive options, rehabilitation programs
Personalized treatment and compassionate care

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Does a Pancreas Last After a Transplant?
A: Most people live for years, if not decades. 90% survive at least five years.

Q: How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Pancreas Transplant?
A: Average time is 23 months for pancreas transplant and 13 months for kidney-pancreas.

Q: What Happens If a Pancreas Transplant Fails?
A: Return to insulin injections and close monitoring of blood glucose.

Q: Who Qualifies for a Pancreas Transplant?
A: Type 1 diabetics with kidney disease, nerve damage, or other complications.

Q: Can the Pancreas Be Cured?
A: Chronic pancreatitis cannot be cured but managed. Abstaining from alcohol helps.