Pancreas Transplantation

Definition

The transference of a pancreas from one human or animal to another. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

More information

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces the juices that help break down food and the hormones that help control blood sugar levels. A pancreas transplant is surgery to place a healthy pancreas from a donor into a person with a diseased pancreas. It is mostly done for people with severe type 1 diabetes. It can allow them to give up insulin shots. An experimental procedure called islet cell transplantation transplants only the parts of the pancreas that make insulin.

People who have transplants must take drugs to keep their body from rejecting the new pancreas for the rest of their lives. They must also have regular follow-up care. Because of the risks, it is not a common treatment for type 1 diabetes. (NIH)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Pancreas Part

Any component of the organ behind the lower part of the stomach that is fish-shaped and is a compound gland composed of…

Pancreas

A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several…

Pancratistatin

A isoquinoline alkaloid from amaryllis with antineoplastic activity.

Pancoast tumor

A type of lung cancer that begins in the upper part of a lung and spreads to nearby tissues such as the…

Pancoast Syndrome

A rare neoplastic syndrome characterized by obstruction of the thoracic outlet leading to compression of the brachial plexus and vessels within. It…

Panacea