Pancreas transplantation exists and is indicated for people with type 1 diabetes who can not control insulin glycemia or who already have severe complications, such as kidney failure, so that the disease can be controlled and stop the development of complications.
This transplant can cure diabetes by removing or decreasing the need for insulin, however it is indicated in very special cases, as it also presents risks and disadvantages, such as the possibility of complications such as infections and pancreatitis, and the need to use immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of life, to avoid rejection of the new pancreas.
When the transplant is indicated
Generally, the indication for pancreas transplantation is made in 3 ways:
- Concurrent pancreas and kidney transplantation : indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes with severe chronic renal failure, on dialysis or pre-dialysis phase;
- Transplantation of pancreas after kidney transplantation : indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes who have undergone kidney transplantation, with current good functioning of the kidney, to treat the disease more effectively, and avoid other complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and cardiopathies, besides prevent new kidney complications;
- Isolated pancreas transplantation : indicated for some specific cases of type 1 diabetes, as directed by the endocrinologist, for people who, in addition to being at risk for complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, renal or cardiovascular disease, also present frequent hypoglycemic or of ketoacidosis, which cause various disorders and complications to the health of the person.
It is also possible to do pancreatic transplantation in people with type 2 diabetes, when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, and there is renal insufficiency but no severe resistance to insulin by the body, which will be determined by the doctor through examinations.
How is the transplant done?
To perform the transplant, the person must enter a waiting queue, after the endocrinologist, who in Brazil takes about 2 to 3 years.
For pancreas transplantation, surgery is performed, which involves removing the pancreas from the donor, after brain death, and implanting the person in need in a region near the bladder without withdrawal of the defective pancreas.
After the procedure, the person can be in ICU recovery for 1 to 2 days, and then stay hospitalized for about 10 days to assess the body's reaction with tests and prevent possible complications of transplantation such as infection, bleeding and rejection of the pancreas.
How is recovery
During recovery, it may be necessary to follow some recommendations such as:
- Performing blood and clinical exams at first, weekly, and over time, expands as you recover, as prescribed by your doctor;
- Use analgesics, antiemetics, and other medications prescribed by your doctor, if necessary, to relieve symptoms such as pain and motion sickness;
- Use immunosuppressive drugs, such as azathioprine, for example, beginning soon after transplantation to prevent the body from trying to reject the new organ.
Although they may cause some side effects, such as nausea, malaise and increased risk of infections, these drugs are extremely necessary, since rejection of a transplanted organ can be fatal.
In about 1 to 2 months, the person can gradually return to normal life as directed by the doctor. After recovery, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and physical activities, as it is very important to maintain good health so that the pancreas works well, as well as avoiding new diseases and even new diabetes .
Risks of Pancreas Transplantation
Although surgery is usually optimal, there is a risk of some complications due to pancreas transplantation, such as pancreatitis, infection, bleeding or rejection of the pancreas, for example.
However, these risks diminish when the endocrinologist and surgeon's guidelines are met, before and after the surgery, with examinations and correct use of the medicines.
