Pancreas Transplant

If you or a loved one suffers from diabetes complications, like kidney failure, and have been told you may need a pancreas transplant, our team is here to help. The first step is a referral to our transplant program.

Refer a Patient

For people with severe diabetes complications, a pancreas transplant is a lifesaving gift when other treatments have not been successful. Diabetes is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Patients with diabetes and kidney failure may need a combined kidney-pancreas transplant.

Our pancreas transplant team provides comprehensive care for adults and children. They will help determine your eligibility for a pancreas (and possible simultaneous kidney) transplant. A team of nurses, nurse educators, pharmacists, nutritionists, social workers, mental health providers, surgeons, nephrologists and advanced practice providers will support you throughout the transplantation journey.

What to expect

If your doctor suggests a pancreas transplant, you’ll likely see an endocrinologist for evaluation. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.

Following an assessment of pancreatic disease, you may be referred to our transplant team. Our pancreas transplant team will provide a thorough evaluation of your health and recommend the best treatment option for you, which may include a pancreas transplant.

The pancreas transplant procedures we perform include:

Pancreas-only transplants: We offer pancreatic transplants for certain patients with diabetes. It may be a treatment option for people struggling with unstable blood sugar control, having frequent episodes of insulin reactions, or experiencing the early stages of diabetic complications. Candidates for a pancreas-only transplant should have good kidney function to tolerate anti-rejection medications.

Kidney-pancreas transplants: Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who have developed kidney failure may need a transplant for their kidney and pancreas. The patients are placed on a deceased donor list to receive a kidney and pancreas from the same donor. Receiving both organs from the same donor reduces the risk of rejection of either organ.

Pancreas after kidney transplants: If a patient who needs both organs has an acceptable kidney donor, we can perform a living-donor kidney transplant. After recovering from this surgery, the patient is placed on the waiting list to receive a pancreas transplant.

Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medicine is home to one of the most reputable transplant programs in the United States. Our dedicated efforts in education, research and clinical medicine have helped shape the field of transplantation. Founded in 1989, our Pancreas Transplant Program was one of the first in the country. Since then, we’ve performed more than 700 pancreas transplants with patient outcomes that have met or exceeded national standards.

Our care does not end after transplant. The pancreas transplant team members will continue to be a resource for you and your family. They will provide ongoing education, care and support through every step of your transplant journey.