Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Transplant blog! Here you can learn about heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, hand, face, and blood and bone marrow transplant, living donation, read articles from the Mayo Clinic team, patient stories and much more. Our transplant blog brings relevant and informative transplant information directly to you. Follow the Transplant blog to receive email notifications when new blog posts are published. Comment and share your thoughts.

Welcome

Most pancreas transplants are performed to treat type 1 diabetes. In some rare cases, it can be used to treat type 2 diabetes as well. Pancreas transplant is typically reserved for those with serious complications of diabetes because side effects from pancreas transplant can be significant, and the immunosuppressive medications are life-long.

If you’ve been told you need a pancreas transplant, we’re here to provide you with all the details of this process, from finding a transplant center to recovering from your operation. If you have questions about the information provided here, please visit our Q&A tab or post a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Finding a transplant center

The first step in your transplant journey is to choose a transplant center. This webinar, "Transplant 101: Preparing for Your Journey," can help you navigate that process. When it comes to finding a transplant center, it’s important you educate yourself about the aspects of choosing your care.

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What to expect

When you connect with a transplant center, you will have a variety of appointments and tests to make sure you are a good candidate and to prepare for the transplant.

Mayo Clinic is taking precautions to provide safe care based on each patient’s specific needs in regards to COVID-19. Click here to get the most up to date information. During your transplant evaluation, your care team will discuss how these precautions will impact you as a recipient.

Tests and screening

Your health screenings will determine if you are a good candidate for transplant. You must be strong enough to receive a transplant, and the testing and consultation will show if you are in good shape to undergo surgery. As part of your evaluation for transplant, you will receive a complete physical exam, including x-rays, blood tests and urine tests. Your physician may recommend additional tests to determine your readiness for surgery.

The procedure

Mayo Clinic surgeons perform several different types of pancreas transplants including pancreas transplant alone, combined kidney-pancreas transplant, and pancreas after kidney transplant. Your doctor will discuss with you the best option for your condition. Learn more about preparing for surgery, including tips on what to pack in your hospital bag.

Risks

As with any operation, there are risks involved. Some of the risks of this surgery are the same as any surgery: infection, bleeding and blood clots. Rare complications from surgery include heart attack, stroke and death. Your team will discuss risks with you in detail.

Recovery

Recovery for a pancreas transplant varies. Patients should not lift more than 10 pounds or do activities that can strain the abdomen such as running, swimming or biking for up to six weeks.

Pancreas patients come back to Mayo Clinic for follow-up care several times a week for the first few weeks after surgery, and again after four months. You may also be asked to have your local lab perform blood work to be sent to Mayo Clinic so that we can monitor your status. After your four-month visit, you will be asked to return every year for an annual evaluation. Learn more about post-transplant care.

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Financial information

It’s natural to be concerned about the financial aspects of receiving a transplant, but the following information will give you a better sense of what is generally covered by health insurance and how to get assistance, if needed.

Insurance coverage

The good news is that your insurance should cover the medical costs associated with your transplant. However, insurance may not cover travel, lodging, lost wages and other non-medical costs. After your procedure, you may be entitled to disability pay if you have disability coverage through your employer or another source.

Returning to work

Before your transplant, inform your employer about the surgery and when your medical team expects you will be able to return to work. Ask about disability insurance coverage and possible paid time off. Before returning to work, make your employer aware of any physical restrictions or short-term special needs. It’s very important that you follow the recommendations of your care team regarding work activities.

Support and resources

Many patients cannot afford to pay for the full cost of a transplant procedure, or even an insurance deductible, using personal funds. Fortunately, several options are available to provide financial support for transplant patients and their families. Learn more about Mayo Clinic charity care.

Also, UNOS's Transplant Living program maintains a list of organizations that provide financial assistance. Learn more.

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Multi-organ transplant

Mayo Clinic doctors and surgeons have experience evaluating and treating people with complex conditions who may need multiorgan transplants. For pancreas transplant specifically, Mayo Clinic performs kidney-pancreas transplants. Your care team will discuss with you the best option treatment option for your condition. Learn more about multiorgan transplants at Mayo Clinic.

Peer and social support

Involving your family and friends

Family and friends can provide support and comfort before, during and after the transplant process. They can help locate and contact resources and care for you after your surgery. By keeping them involved in the transplant process, you open yourself up to encouragement, support and a better emotional recovery.

Having a dedicated caregiver is required for transplant. This can be a spouse, parent, sibling or friend. You may have more than one caregiver during your transplant journey. Committed caregivers play a big part in a successful transplant. Your caregivers need to be in good physical and emotional health and should be able to get you to and from your appointments, help with medications, and help with daily routines. Here’s a great Q&A with Steve Vorseth, a Licensed Master Social Worker in the Transplant Center at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Phoenix, covering the vital role the caregiver plays before and after transplant surgery.

Finding a support group

Sharing your concerns, fears, struggles, experiences and triumphs with loved ones, as well as fellow recipients and donors can be comforting. Support is available through a variety of venues. You can find others here who have walked in your shoes, or talk to your social worker about finding a support group in your area that meets in person. Connecting with others in the transplant community can help you make lifelong friends and find opportunities to promote the need for organ donation.

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