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A combined kidney-and-pancreas transplant is offered to people who have end-stage renal disease or those who are rapidly approaching end-stage renal disease, who would receive a pre-emptive transplant. A pancreas-after-kidney transplant is offered to those who have Type 1 diabetes and a prior kidney transplant. The Hume-Lee Transplant Center will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine your transplant candidacy. Our team includes:
At the time of your initial appointment, you will meet many of the team members. You will be given a large amount of information that day, and we recommend that you bring a family member or friend with you. The initial appointment may last several hours.
All individuals must have the following tests:
Additional tests may be required during or after the initial evaluation, depending upon your medical history. Additional tests and images may include:
Once you have completed the medical evaluation and are found to be an acceptable candidate for transplant, your information is sent to your insurance company for approval. Once we have obtained financial clearance, your name will be placed on the waiting list. Your transplant coordinator will notify you and your dialysis center or nephrologists.
Once you have been found to be an acceptable candidate for any type of pancreas transplant, your name is placed on the national waiting list for a deceased-donor combined kidney-and-pancreas or pancreas transplant. Unfortunately, there are more people waiting for transplants than there are organs available to be transplanted.
A frequently asked question is “How long will I wait for a pancreas?” We cannot determine that exactly. Currently, the United Network for Organ Sharing designates how deceased organs are distributed. Waiting times vary from patient to patient due to individual medical conditions, genetic characteristics and sensitivity of the patient.
Once you are on the transplant list, you will need to be seen yearly to update your tests and ensure you remain healthy for a pancreas transplant.
Your transplant coordinator will send a letter notifying you, your dialysis center and your nephrologist when you have been listed.