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Frequently asked questions about a pancreas transplant
You
can call (352) 265-0254 or (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to
make a referral to the pancreas transplant program at the
Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.
Where
do pancreases come from?
How are pancreases selected for transplantation?
What is rejection?
Is there anything that can be done to prevent rejection?
What happens after I become a transplant
candidate?
What preparation is needed before surgery?
Will my own pancreas be removed?
What if I do not live in Florida?
How long will I be hospitalized?
What happens after I am discharged from the
hospital?
Who pays for the pancreas transplant?
Where
do pancreases come from?
Pancreases used for transplant are taken from cadaver donors.
A cadaveric pancreas comes from a person who has died and
whose family has given permission for organ donation.
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How
are pancreases selected for transplantation?
The first step is to check for compatibility. That is the
ability of your body to accept the new pancreas. The donor
and recipient must have compatible blood types. When a blood
type-compatible donor is available, a blood test called
tissue typing is done. This test identifies the transplant
antigens in your body. Antigens are markers on your cells
that tell your immune system that they are yours.
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What
is rejection?
Rejection occurs when your body "sees" that the
new pancreas is not like your own body tissues. The body
responds by sending special cells called antibodies to attack
the new pancreas. This attack can cause the donated pancreas
to fail. Just as the body recognizes a virus as being unfamiliar
and develops antibodies or killer cells to get rid of it,
the body can form cells to try to get rid of the new kidney
or pancreas. Rejection is normal and it is the body's way
of trying to protect itself.
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Is
there anything that can be done to prevent rejection?
Three medications - CellCept, Prednisone and Prograf- will
be prescribed for you to help prevent rejection. These medications
help your body accept the new pancreas. You will have to
take these medications for as long as the new pancreas is
working. You may experience some of the side effects of
the drugs, such as an increase in appetite, weight gain,
high blood pressure and a higher risk of infection. These
side effects will decrease as your medication dosages are
lowered. If rejection does occur, other medications may
be used to stop it.
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What
happens after I become a transplant candidate?
You will be scheduled for a complete evaluation. The evaluation
will include blood tests, X-rays and diagnostic tests. You
may be seen by several members of our health care team,
including a transplant surgeon, psychologist, urologist,
social worker, physician assistant, financial counselor
and transplant coordinator. During this time, the health
care team will learn more about you so we can prepare you
for your new pancreas in the best way possible. You will
also have a chance to get to know us and learn more about
pancreas transplantation and how it will affect you. You
will be required to attend a Patient and Family Education
group meeting during your evaluation to discuss specific
topics related to pancreas transplant.
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What
preparation is needed before surgery?
After your evaluation has been completed, the transplant
team will make recommendations to your referring pancreas
doctor or kidney doctor. After you have completed everything
that the transplant team requires you to do and they have
reviewed all your test results, we will add your name to
the pancreas waiting list.
It is
in your best interest to complete all tests and dental work
as soon as possible. Once the transplant team has a full
picture of your current health status, they will proceed
with plans for your transplant. The waiting period for a
well-matched cadaveric pancreas may take several months
to a year, depending on your blood type, your transplant
antigens and your antibody level.
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Will
my own pancreas be removed?
Your pancreas will not be removed. The new pancreas will
be placed in the lower abdomen and connected to the intestines.
If you are receiving a kidney and a pancreas they will both
be placed in the lower abdomen.
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What
if I do not live in Florida?
Many patients come to Shands at UF to be transplanted from
outside of Florida. You will need to provide transportation
for the evaluation process and the transplant itself. You
will be hospitalized for 7-10 days and then will need to
stay in Florida for 2-4 weeks after being discharged from
the hospital.
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How
long will I be hospitalized?
Pancreas recipients usually stay in the hospital for seven
to 10 days. During this time, your medications will be regulated
and you will be closely watched for signs of rejection and
infection. You will also be given information on how to
care for your new organ.
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What
happens after I am discharged from the hospital?
After you go home from the hospital, your responsibilities
will be to take the medications prescribed by your transplant
doctor and to keep your clinic appointments. For the first
month or so, you will be examined and have blood tests done
several times a week. This may be done at the Shands Transplant
Center at Shands Medical Plaza or by special arrangements
with your local kidney or pancreas doctor. The follow-up
arrangements will be made before you go home from the hospital
after your transplant. Your doctor will discuss any changes
in your medications or follow-up care at each visit. After
the first several months, it will not be necessary for blood
tests or doctor visits to be so frequent. However, you will
always need to have your pancreas function and medications
checked as directed by your doctor.
Without
any complications and depending on the type of work you
do, you should be able to return to work in about six to
10 weeks. Your doctor will discuss this issue with you at
your appointment.
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Who
pays for the pancreas transplant?
The recipient evaluations and surgeries are paid for by
several methods, which include managed care, commercial
insurance, Medicare and Florida Medicaid. A hospital financial
counselor sees every transplant candidate. The counselor
will confirm your insurance coverage, discuss your financial
responsibility and tell you about the different options
that may be available to you.
There
are other sources that you may qualify for based on financial
need. The Pharmacy Services Representatives are willing
to discuss the details of these sources with you before
you make your decision about transplantation.
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Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.
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