Benefits

Pancreas transplantation can offer several benefits that include:

• An improvement in quality of life
• Blood sugar levels return to normal
• Insulin shots are not required
• No insulin reactions
• No diabetic diet
• Better physical and psychological well-being
• Transplanted patients report feeling more hopeful about the future and having a more positive outlook

When blood sugar levels return to normal:

• Deterioration of nerve function may slow down or stop
• The progression of kidney disease may slow down or stop
• Long-term survival may be increased
• Individuals can return to the work force since the risk of severe blood sugar changes is corrected

Risks

As with any major surgery, potential risks may occur. These include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots in the legs, lungs, transplant graft
• Complications during/after the surgery
• Death
• Heart attack
• Hernia
• Infection
• Leak in the duodenum
• Pancreatitis
• Rejection of the transplanted organ
• Stroke
• Untoward reaction to anesthesia