Pancreas and Islet Cell Transplantation
Pancreas Transplantation is often a last retort treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. By replacing the dysfunctional pancreas with a healthy pancreas, the ability to produce enough insulin is regained and blood sugar levels can return to normal. SImilar to liver transplantation, the healthy pancreas could be from a deceased donor or a part of pancreas could be used from a living donor.
The patient undergoes various tests to evaluate the medical condition and determine the approach
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Kidney function tests
- Neuropsychological exams
- Echocardiogram or electrocardiogram (EKG)
Islet cells, also called Islets of langerhans are the tissues on the pancreas that are responsible for the production of various hormones. These clusters of cells scattered across the pancreas can be further classified into various types such as Beta cells, Alpha cells and Delta cells. Since, Islet cell transplantation is aimed at patients with type 1 diabetes, the beta cells which produce insulin are targeted. The insulin-producing beta cells are extracted from a healthy donor. After purification and processing, they are implanted on the pancreas of someone with type 1 diabetes. This advanced and relatively new procedure can be performed with minimal risk with a local anaesthetic and a sedative. After transplantation, blood sugar levels can improve and there will be no need or less need for insulin injections.