Pancreatic islet transplantation

Pancreatic islet transplantation: Pancreatic islet transplantation is the transplantation of healthy pancreatic islets, which are clusters of cells that make insulin, from a deceased donor into the liver of a patient with type I diabetes. The cells are usually delivered noninvasively through a catheter.

Diseases And Conditions Treated: Pancreatic islet transplantation

These diseases and conditions may be treated with the surgical procedure Pancreatic islet transplantation:

Type I diabetes

Non-Surgical Options: Pancreatic islet transplantation

These non-surgical medical options may be possible alternative treatments to performing Pancreatic islet transplantation:

Insulin injections

Other Surgical Options: Pancreatic islet transplantation

Surgical procedure options to consider as an alternative for Pancreatic islet transplantation may include these surgeries:

Anesthetic Requirements for Pancreatic islet transplantation

These surgical anesthetic requirements for the procedure Pancreatic islet transplantation may include:

Local anesthetic

Procedure Complications: Pancreatic islet transplantation

Possible surgical complications of Pancreatic islet transplantation may include:

Bleeding
Blood clots
Portal vein damage
Islet cells stop producing insulin
Transplant rejection
Immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection
Side effects from immunosuppressive drugs

Prognosis for a Good Outcome: Pancreatic islet transplantation

The prognosis for a good medical outcome: Pancreatic islet transplantation is a relatively new treatment option for type I diabetes. The procedure is effective at eliminating the need for insulin injections in a small percentage of patients; however, most patients have to return to insulin injections since the transplanted cells lose insulin production over time.