How long will I have to wait before I receive my transplant?
It
is impossible to predict how long a wait there will be before a deceased donor
kidney and pancreas become available. The average wait is about 24 to 36 months;
however, it's possible the wait could be from a few days to many years. Some
people might have to wait longer than others for their transplants because their
blood and tissue types might be less common, so it takes longer to find a
compatible match.
What happens during the kidney and pancreas transplant surgery?
Kidney
and pancreas transplantation involves placing a healthy kidney and pancreas into
the body where they can perform all of the functions that a failing kidney and
pancreas cannot.
The new kidney is placed on the lower left side of the abdomen where it is
surgically connected to nearby blood vessels. Placing the kidney in this
position allows it to be easily connected to blood vessels and the bladder. The
vein and artery of the new kidney are attached to your vein and artery. The new
kidney's ureter is attached to your bladder to allow urine to pass out of your
body.
The new pancreas is placed on the lower right side of your abdomen where it
is surgically connected to nearby blood vessels. The vein and artery of the new
pancreas are attached to your vein and artery.
The kidney and pancreas transplant surgery takes from five to seven hours. Transplant
patients generally stay in the hospital about eight to 12 days.
What is the success rate of the double transplant?
After
the double transplant is performed, there is an 80 percent to 85 percent chance that the
patient will require no insulin and no dialysis for one year. In addition, there
is a 70 percent chance that this success will continue over the next five years.
What are the benefits of double organ transplantation?
A
successful kidney and pancreas transplant gives you increased strength, stamina,
and energy. After transplantation, you should be able to return to a more normal
lifestyle and have more control over your daily living. You can have a normal
diet and more normal fluid intake.
If you were dependent on dialysis before the transplant, you'll have more
freedom because you won't be bound to your dialysis schedule. The pancreas
transplant will keep your blood sugar normal. Frequently after transplantation,
your blood sugar level before eating will be 90 or less. After a meal, it might
reach 140 -- all without insulin. Further complications of diabetes might be
delayed with better blood sugar control.