How Much Does Pancreas Transplant Cost?

“The average cost of undergoing a pancreas transplant in India is 20,000 USD.
The success rate of pancreas transplants in India is quite high. As much as 95% of patients had an increased life span of 1 year after undergoing a successful pancreas transplant, while 88% of the patients had a life expectancy rate of 5 years
.

Pancreas transplant cost in India
  • The main function of the pancreas is to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates our blood sugar levels.
  • A pancreas transplant is an organ transplant in which a healthy pancreas (one that produces insulin) is implanted into a patient whose pancreas is no longer able to create enough insulin for the body. The healthy pancreas is derived from either a deceased donor or a partial pancreas from a living donor.
  • Pancreas transplantation improves glucose control in diabetic patients and has the potential to cure the condition, avoid cardiovascular consequences, and even reverse it. The procedure involves examining pancreatic transplantation’s benefits, evaluating risks, methods of different procedures, steps, and complications.
  • In, a pancreatic transplant includes replacing a non-functioning pancreas with a healthy pancreas from a deceased or a cadaveric donor during surgery.
  • For patients from outside, cadaveric transplantation is not permitted.
  • International patients have the option of receiving a portion of a live donor pancreas rather than the full organ, which can still perform at least some functions. The donor could be a twin or a family member.
  • In, pancreas transplants are quite successful. 95% of patients experienced a one-year increase in life expectancy following a successful pancreas transplant, and 88% experienced a five-year increase.
  • Pancreas transplants may mostly be used to treat type 2 diabetes. Rarely, pancreas transplants may be performed to treat bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other types of cancer.
  • In patients whose kidneys have been harmed by diabetes, a pancreas transplant is frequently performed in conjunction with a kidney transplant.

Why is Pancreas Transplant performed?

Type 1 diabetes is a common complication that can occur in people who are candidates for pancreas transplantation. Other common complications include kidney impairment, nerve damage, and eye issues.

  • Typically, medical professionals will consider a transplant for a patient whose diabetes is uncontrolled despite receiving medical treatments. This involves severe issues with low blood sugar (often known as “hypos”) or kidney failure.
  • Most diabetics who take insulin do not require a pancreas transplant.
  • A pancreas transplant is usually not recommended if the traditional treatments have a high chance of success. This is due to the significant likelihood of pancreas transplant side effects.

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Eligibility

Type 1 diabetes may be treated with a pancreas transplant, but there is a chance that the anti-rejection drugs that must be used after the transplant will have more negative side effects.

As a result, the benefits of receiving the transplant must outweigh its risks. An effective treatment option may include a pancreas transplant if one or more of the following hold true.

  • Standard therapies do not control type 1 diabetes.
  • Severe insulin-related reactions are common.
  • Very poor management of blood sugar.
  • Hypoglycaemia Unawareness.
  • Severe kidney damage.

Diagnosis

Evaluation of pancreatic illnesses is challenging due to the pancreas’ inaccessibility. The patient is assessed by the multidisciplinary team to see if he or she is a good candidate for a pancreatic transplant.

  • A physical examination, blood tests, CAT scans, endoscopic ultrasounds, and MRIs are among the techniques that can be employed, with the last three being the most precise.
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are tests used to assess the pancreatic ducts.
  • The HLA/Tissue Typing to ascertain the patient’s and the donor’s histocompatibility.
  • Screening test for infections to look for illnesses like HIV, Hepatitis C, etc. in the blood of the donor and receiver.
    Echocardiogram and CATH study to look for potential cardiac structural or functional problems.
  • Psychological evaluation is recommended to determine the mental state of the patient for the surgery.
  • Sometimes confirming a patient’s diagnosis requires surgical examination.

Cost of pancreatic transplant

The type of transplantation facility and qualified surgeons who have carried out these procedures throughout the years are key factors in the success of a pancreas transplant.

In, there are numerous public and commercial hospitals that provide inexpensive, secure, and efficient transplantation services.

Each year, the nation receives hundreds of individuals in need of pancreas transplants. The expense of pancreatic transplants is the main cause of the significant influx of foreign patients.

The average cost of undergoing a pancreas transplant in India is 20,000 USD.

The success rate of pancreas transplants in India is quite high. As much as 95% of patients had an increased life span of 1 year after undergoing a successful pancreas transplant, while 88% of the patients had a life expectancy rate of 5 years.

Factors Impacting the Total Cost of Pancreas Transplant

The cost of a pancreas transplant, as in any other country, can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Some of the major variables that can impact the cost of a pancreatic transplant include the following:

  • Type of Transplant: Depending on the type of pancreas transplant, costs can change. The two primary forms are simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplants (SPK) and pancreas transplantation alone (PTA). Due to the additional intricacy and requirement for two organs, SPK transplants are generally more expensive.
  • Facility and Surgeon Fees: The cost can be significantly impacted by the facility and surgeon who is selected. Experienced surgeons and high-end, specialized facilities often charge more for their services.
  • Medical Evaluation and Testing: Patients are subjected to a range of medical examinations and testing prior to transplantation in order to ascertain their eligibility. The price of these examinations and evaluations may increase the final cost.
  • Organ Procurement: shipping and preservation must be paid in order to obtain a donor pancreas. Depending on how far apart the hospitals are in the donor and recipient, these costs change.
  • Post-Transplant treatment: post-transplant treatment, which includes expensive immunosuppressive medications, can significantly affect the overall cost. These medications are essential to prevent organ rejection and ensure a healthy life after the transplant.
  • Duration of the Hospital Stay: Depending on the patient’s condition and any potential complications, the length of hospitalization following a transplant can vary. Costs may go up with a longer hospital stay.
  • Geographical Location: The cost of healthcare services might fluctuate significantly between cities and regions on the basis of patient footfall, infrastructural benefits, and popularity.
  • Insurance Coverage: If a patient has health insurance that pays for organ transplants, it can considerably lower their out-of-pocket costs. Costs may vary depending on the type of insurance plan and its level of coverage.
  • Donor Source: There may be expenses for organ recovery and transportation if the donor is a deceased person. Sometimes, living donors may give a piece of their pancreas, which may have a different financial impact.
  • Extra Costs: Unexpected costs can include things like travel, lodging, and caretaker costs for both the recipient and the donor (if they are still alive).

Types of Pancreatic Transplants

Pancreas-Transplant-Alone (PTA)

  • This transplant is suitable for those with early-stage diabetes or no kidney damage. A healthy pancreas is transplanted into a patient whose pancreatic isn’t functioning correctly throughout the procedure.

Simultaneous-Kidney- Pancreas- Transplant (SKP)

  • Also known as a Combined kidney-pancreas transplant. It is used on diabetics who have renal failure or are at risk of developing it. A kidney-pancreas transplant replaces a damaged kidney and pancreas with a healthy donor pair.

Pancreas-After-Kidney- Transplant (PAK)

  • When a kidney transplant from a living or deceased donor becomes available, the doctor could advise patients who have been patiently awaiting both donor kidney and donor pancreas to have one done first.
  • Patients suffering from diabetes along with end-stage renal disease with no available donor for pancreas transplant.
  • One will have a pancreas transplant after the kidney transplant recovery is complete.

Pancreatic islet Cell Transplant

  • The pancreas of a dead organ donor is used to harvest islets for islet transplantation. The islets are cleaned, prepared, and given to another individual. Once implanted, these islets’ beta cells start producing and releasing insulin.
  • Recommended for patients with severe and progressive Type 1 diabetes complications.
  • The transplanted islet cells may require more than one injection.

How pancreas transplant procedure is performed?

Before the transplantation

  • The first step in receiving a pancreatic transplant is finding a donor. Cadaveric transplants are not approved for patients from outside the country.
  • The sole option for the patient is a living donor transplant from a twin or close relative who is an excellent HLA match.
  • In this type of transplant, the patient receives a partial pancreas that can still perform some functions. The pre-transplant tests might start if the patient finds a good match for a pancreatic transplant.

Types of necessary diagnostic and screening tests:

  • HLA/Tissue Typing
  • Blood Tests
  • MRI/ CT scan/ PET Scan
  • Echocardiogram
  • Medical History and Psychological Evaluation

During the transplantation

  • Depending on the kind of transplant, the procedure to replace the pancreas can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
  • All liquid medications will be administered to the patient via an intravenous (IV) line in the arm.
  • The surgeon will make a deep incision in the middle of the abdomen. The recipient’s lower abdomen will next be implanted with a portion of the donor’s pancreas and a section of the small intestine.
  • The recipient’s small intestine and the donor pancreas will be joined by blood vessels, which will also supply blood to the recipient’s legs.
  • The recipient’s pancreas is still there and continues to carry out its limited functions.
  • Finally, the incisions will be stitched up by the surgeon.
  • The patient will be sent to a special recovery room after the procedure.

The newly implanted pancreas starts to produce insulin and carry out its function. Even after a full-crossmatch donor transplant is successful, immune rejection is still a possibility. The patient may experience acute or long-term rejection following the transplant.

After the transplantation

  • The patient will be moved to an intensive care unit (ICU) once their condition has stabilized, where they will be closely watched for any dangers or consequences.
  • After the transplant, a few tests will be run to make sure the vital organs are functioning appropriately.
  • To avoid acute immunological rejection, the patient will regularly receive anti-rejection drugs.
  • After a day or two in the ICU and the start of the initial recovery, the patient will be moved to a regular ward.
  • The patient will be released from the hospital as soon as the doctor thinks that their condition has sufficiently stabilized.

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Precautions After the Pancreas Transplant

A patient will be required to adhere to the post-operative instructions and change some aspects of their lifestyle for better outcomes, such as:

  • Keep a healthy diet.
  • Stay away from alcoholic beverages.
  • Avoiding smoking is advised.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Uphold proper hygiene.

Benefits of Pancreas Transplant

Some patients with severe diabetic problems may benefit most from a pancreas transplant.

Fundamental benefits of a pancreatic transplant:

  • Most pancreas transplant recipients live longer
  • Most pancreas transplant recipients live longer.
  • Have a better quality of life, and typically don’t require insulin injections because of better blood sugar regulation.
  • Diabetes-related damage is slowed
  • Higher levels of energy
  • Enhanced all-around wellbeing
  • More freedom to eat and drink
  • Despite improvements in insulin administration, only pancreas transplantation can completely regulate blood sugar levels and halt the development of vascular problems brought on by diabetes.
  • Additionally, it can treat diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy, stop diabetic nephropathy from returning in the transplanted kidney, and enhance patients’ quality of life by relieving them of their reliance on repeated injections and blood sugar monitoring.

Risks of Pancreas Transplant

The complicated surgery needed for a pancreatic transplant can be challenging for some people.

  • Primary side effects following a pancreatic transplant:
  • Being a significant procedure, there are surgical hazards involved, such as hemorrhage.
  • For as long as the transplant is effective, patients will need to take medications to suppress their immune system.
  • It’s possible that the transplanted pancreas won’t function well enough for some to stop needing insulin shots.
  • Death is a rare possibility. This is greatest in the initial months following surgery.

Recovery after Pancreas Transplant

  • A pancreas transplant recovery procedure is a protracted and gradual one that aims to progressively enhance the patient’s health and fitness.
  • It may take up to three months to resume everyday routines.
  • For three to four weeks after you leave the hospital, close observation is necessary.
  • Expect to take many medications in the weeks and months after the pancreatic transplant. Immunosuppressants are drugs that stop the body from attacking the artificial pancreas.

Life After Pancreas Transplant

  • Following the pancreatic transplant, the blood sugar levels are stable, which is the major change. Planning meals and activities, as well as routine blood sugar checks, become unnecessary.
  • The continual worry over fluctuating blood sugar levels, the possibility of hypoglycaemia, and even the chance of losing consciousness is all vanquished.
  • Patients have greater autonomy and more stability in their everyday lives since they may select their own diet and activities, as well as take part in all physical activities.
  • To prevent transplant rejection, patients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of their lives and undergo routine lab tests, as is the case with all transplants.
  • They must also take precautions to prevent infections.

Success Rate in the Case of Pancreas Transplant in India

  • A successful pancreas transplant returns the body’s ability to produce insulin and normalizes blood sugar levels. Some of the effects of the condition can be reversed when blood glucose is fully normalized.
  • Injection of insulin-producing cells is significantly simpler than pancreas transplantation, which involves a big surgery and potential risks. However, diabetes commonly returns a few years after these cells are injected, and the long-term outcomes are once more much worse than those of pancreatic transplantation.
  • The sole treatment for diabetes in well-chosen patients is pancreatic transplantation. Patients with diabetes who would otherwise only have a one-third of normal life expectancy benefit greatly from pancreas transplantation.
  • A simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant increases a diabetic’s chance of survival to 70% at 25 years, compared to 27% if the patient underwent a kidney transplant alone, and the 10-year diabetes cure rate is 80%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed are the main symptoms to suggest that the pancreas needs to be evaluated.

  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Tenderness when touching the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Speedy pulse

A successful pancreas transplant has a good prognosis.

Most recipients of a pancreas transplant live for years, if not decades. Nine out of 10 people will survive for at least five years, and almost everyone will do so for at least a year after that.

The time it takes for a suitable donor to become available — one whose blood and tissue types match yours — is dictated by a person’s blood group and how long it takes for one to become available. On average, a pancreas transplant lasts for about 23 months. On average, a combined kidney-pancreas transplant takes 13 months.

In the event that a pancreas transplant is unsuccessful, the patient will need to restart insulin injections and stop blood glucose monitoring in order to control their diabetes.
It is extremely rare to be serious or fatal. Raised blood sugar levels or stomach (abdominal) pain might result from pancreas rejection. One could secrete less urine or experience pain around the kidney transplant if one underwent a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant.

Consume foods that are high in protein, anti-inflammatory, and low in animal fats. Lean meats, legumes, dairy substitutes like flax and almond milk, and clear soups are all options. the pancreas can digest these with ease.

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