Introduction
A kidney and pancreas transplant is an advanced surgical treatment offered to selected patients with Type 1 diabetes and advanced kidney disease or kidney failure. This procedure involves transplanting both a healthy kidney and a healthy pancreas from a deceased donor during the same operation. For carefully selected patients, a successful transplant can restore kidney function, improve blood sugar control, reduce dependence on dialysis and insulin, and significantly improve quality of life.
Not everyone with diabetes or kidney disease is a candidate for this procedure. A detailed evaluation by a nephrologist and a multidisciplinary transplant team is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides comprehensive transplant evaluation, kidney disease management, dialysis guidance, pre-transplant assessment, and long-term post-transplant follow-up to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
What Is a Kidney and Pancreas Transplant?
A kidney and pancreas transplant is a procedure in which:
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A healthy kidney replaces a failed kidney.
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A healthy pancreas is transplanted to restore insulin production.
The procedure is most commonly performed as a simultaneous kidney-pancreas (SKP) transplant, where both organs are transplanted during the same surgery.
For suitable patients, this approach may improve survival, reduce complications of diabetes, and enhance overall quality of life.
Who May Benefit from a Kidney and Pancreas Transplant?
A kidney and pancreas transplant may be considered for carefully selected patients with:
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Type 1 diabetes
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End-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
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Kidney failure requiring dialysis
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Advanced chronic kidney disease approaching kidney failure
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Diabetes with severe complications despite intensive treatment
Eligibility varies from person to person. A complete medical evaluation is necessary before transplantation is recommended.
Types of Pancreas Transplant Procedures
Depending on the patient's condition, different transplant approaches may be considered.
Simultaneous Kidney-Pancreas (SKP) Transplant
Both the kidney and pancreas are transplanted during one operation. This is the most common option for eligible patients with Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure.
Pancreas After Kidney (PAK) Transplant
A kidney transplant is performed first, followed by a pancreas transplant at a later stage.
Pancreas Transplant Alone (PTA)
In selected patients with severe Type 1 diabetes but preserved kidney function, only a pancreas transplant may be considered.
Benefits of a Kidney and Pancreas Transplant
For suitable candidates, a successful transplant may offer several benefits, including:
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Restoration of kidney function
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Improved blood sugar control
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Reduced or eliminated need for insulin in many patients
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Freedom from dialysis
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Better quality of life
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Improved energy levels
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Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications
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Improved long-term health outcomes
Results vary among individuals, and lifelong follow-up is essential.
Who Is Eligible?
A transplant evaluation considers several factors, including:
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Overall health
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Type of diabetes
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Kidney function
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Heart and lung health
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Presence of infections
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Body weight
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Ability to tolerate surgery
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Commitment to lifelong follow-up and medications
The transplant team carefully determines whether transplantation is the safest and most beneficial option.
How Is a Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Evaluation Performed?
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist performs a detailed assessment before referring eligible patients for transplant.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your nephrologist will evaluate:
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Diabetes history
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Kidney disease stage
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Dialysis history
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Current medications
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Family history
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Lifestyle factors
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Overall medical condition
Blood Tests
Investigations may include:
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Serum Creatinine
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
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Electrolytes
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Blood Sugar
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HbA1c
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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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Blood Group and Tissue Typing
These tests assess kidney function, diabetes control, and transplant compatibility.
Urine Tests
Urine investigations help detect:
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Protein
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Blood
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Infection
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Remaining kidney function
Cardiac Evaluation
Because transplant surgery is a major procedure, heart health is carefully assessed before surgery.
Imaging Studies
Depending on your condition, investigations may include:
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Kidney Ultrasound
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CT Scan
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Vascular imaging when indicated
These studies help evaluate the kidneys and blood vessels before transplantation.
The Transplant Procedure
The transplant operation is performed by a specialized transplant surgical team.
During surgery:
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The donor kidney is transplanted into the lower abdomen.
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The donor pancreas is also transplanted.
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The patient's own kidneys and pancreas are usually left in place unless there is a specific reason to remove them.
The transplanted organs begin functioning at different rates depending on individual circumstances.
Recovery After Transplant
Recovery includes:
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Hospital monitoring
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Regular blood tests
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Medication adjustments
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Kidney function monitoring
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Blood sugar monitoring
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Follow-up visits
Patients gradually return to normal daily activities under medical guidance.
