Pancreas Transplant Cost in India

  • A pancreas transplant involves transferring a healthy and functional pancreas from a donor to the patient’s body. The recipient’s diseased or non-functional pancreas is not removed during the surgery.
  • Pancreas transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the type of transplant a patient undergoes. 
  • The transplanted pancreas is usually from a cadaveric donor. However, cadaveric transplantation in India is not allowed for international patients. 
  • International patients can opt for a live donor pancreas transplant, where they won’t receive the entire pancreas, but a part of it that has the capability to carry out at least some functions. The donor can be a twin or a close-relative.
  • 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 pancreas is an elongated and tapered organ tucked behind the lower part of the stomach. The main function of the pancreas is to produce insulin, a hormone that maintains normal glucose levels in our bodies.

Due to certain conditions like Diabetes, the pancreas stops producing an adequate amount of the insulin hormone. This, in turn, disrupts the regulatory mechanism of glucose intake by the cells. In such a scenario, one of the possible treatment options is Pancreas Transplant. A pancreas transplant involves replacing a diseased or non-functional pancreas with a healthy and functional pancreas. The source of this pancreas is a deceased donor, making the pancreas transplant a cadaveric transplant.

After a patient is advised to undergo a pancreatic transplant, the next step is to find a good transplantation center. India is home to a large network of public and private hospitals that offer affordable, safe, and effective transplantation facilities. The country receives hundreds of patients annually seeking a pancreatic transplant. The biggest factor that contributes to the large influx of international patients is the pancreas transplant cost in India.

Pancreas Transplant Cost in India

The average cost of undergoing a pancreas transplant in India is 20,000 USD. This cost can be more or less depending on several factors, including:

  • Type of pancreas transplant
  • Location and clinical infrastructure of the hospital or transplantation center
  • Length of stay in hospital
  • The expertise of the surgeon
  • Use of advanced technology and equipment
  • Present health complications
  • Recovery and rehabilitation
  • Post-transplant medications

Connect with Lyfboat at care@lyfboat.com to get exclusive details on pancreas transplant prices across the best hospitals in India. 

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Why is a pancreas transplant performed?

A pancreas transplant is often the last treatment choice for patients suffering from severe complications of Type 1 Diabetes. The doctor usually doesn’t advise a pancreas transplant if the standard treatments have a scope of positive results. It is so because the potential side-effects of pancreas transplants are quite high. Other conditions that may require a patient to undergo a pancreas transplant include:

  • Type 1 diabetes 
  • Recurring insulin reactions (confusion or unconsciousness due to hypoglycemia)
  • Severe kidney damage
  • Type 2 diabetes (low insulin resistance and insulin production)

Types of Pancreatic Transplants in India

Type of TransplantWhat does it involve?Whom is it for?
Solitary Pancreatic TransplantIt involves the transfer of a healthy and functional pancreas from a cadaveric donor to a recipient’s body. Suitable for patients with Type 1 or 2 (rarely) diabetes and no kidney disease.
Combined kidney-pancreas transplantAs the name suggests, the procedure involves transplanting both the kidney and pancreas from the donor to the recipient at the same time.Suitable for patients with severe diabetes and a risk of developing or present kidney failure/disease.
Pancreas-after-kidney transplantThe procedure involves transplantation of a kidney, followed by a pancreas transplant after a gap of some time. Patients suffering from diabetes along with end-stage renal disease with no available donor for pancreas transplant.
Pancreatic islet cell transplantThe procedure involves injecting islet cells derived from the pancreas of a cadaver donor into the recipient’s hepatic veins. This is repeated several times over a period of few days to weeks.Patients with severe and progressive Type 1 diabetes complications.

Pancreas Transplant Procedure in India

1. Before the transplant

  • The journey to undergo a pancreas transplant in India begins with finding a donor. Cadaveric transplantation in India is not allowed for international patients. This leaves the patient with only one option; living donor transplantation through a twin or close relative who is a good HLA match. 
  • In this type of transplant, the patient won’t receive the entire pancreas, but a part of it that has the capability to carry out at least some functions. 
  • If the patient finds a suitable match for pancreas transplantation, they can begin with the pre-transplant tests. 

Type of Diagnostic and Screening tests 

Why is it done?

Blood tests, including ABO typing To determine blood and genetic compatibility between donor and the patient.
HLA/Tissue TypingTo determine the histocompatibility  between the donor and the patient.
Screening test for infectionsTo check the donor and recipient’s blood for possible infections, like HIV, Hepatitis C, etc.
Imaging tests (MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan)To determine possible functional and structural abnormalities in different organs.
Echocardiogram and Cath StudyTo determine possible structural or functional abnormalities in the heart.
Psychological EvaluationTo determine the mental state of the patient for the surgery. 
  • For the days leading up to the transplant, the patient will be required to follow some instructions, including:
  1. Following a healthy and balanced diet
  2. Avoiding the use of alcohol or smoking
  3. Following the prescribed course of medications
  4. Regularly exercise and maintain an active lifestyle, as suggested by the doctor
  5. Attending all pre-transplant appointments and evaluations

2. During the transplant 

  • Pancreas transplant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the type of transplant a patient undergoes. 
  • The patient will be given all forms of liquid medications through an IV (intravenous) line in the arm.
  • The surgeon will make a deep incision in the center of your abdomen. This will be followed by placing the part of a donor’s pancreas (with a part of the small intestine attached to it) in the recipient’s lower abdomen.
  • The donor pancreas and small intestine will be attached to the blood vessels supplying blood to the legs and recipient’s small intestine, respectively. 
  • The recipient’s pancreas stays put and continues to perform whatever minimal function it can. 
  • Finally, the surgeon will close the incisions with the help of stitches. The patient will be shifted to a specialized recovery room upon completion of the surgery. 

3. After the transplant

  • Once the patient’s condition becomes stable, they will be shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU), where they will be under constant observation for possible risks or complications. 
  • A few tests will be conducted to check the functioning of the vital organs post-transplant. 
  • The patient will be administered anti-rejection medicines on a regular basis to avoid any chances of acute immune rejection. 
  • After a day or two in the ICU, the patient will be shifted to a normal ward, where the initial recovery begins. 
  • The patient will leave the hospital facility once the doctor feels that their condition is properly stabilized. 

How can Lyfboat assist you getting Pancreas Transplant in India?

World's Most Trusted Medical Advisory & Discount Platform

Lyfboat is a free advisory platform; we do not charge any fees from patients. In fact, we negotiate the price that Indian hospitals offer. In some cases we are able to reduce the cost by negotiating upto 20% of what Hospitals generally offer. We advise the best treatment from the top hospital/surgeon at best price.

Results of Pancreas Transplant in India

The newly transplanted pancreas begins to perform its function to produce insulin. However, even after a successful transplant with a full-crossmatch donor, the chances of immune rejection are still high. The patient may experience acute or chronic rejection post-transplant.

In order to reduce the chances of rejection, the patient will be put on life-long anti-rejection medications. This, in turn, makes the patient more susceptible to infection and other medical conditions due to reduced immunity. Other risks and complications of pancreas transplant are:

  • Osteoporosis
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Puffiness
  • Weight gain
  • Swollen gums
  • Acne
  • Excessive hair growth or loss

The success rate of Pancreas Transplant in India

With constant advancements in medicine, the quality and length of life after a pancreas transplant have significantly increased. 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. A patient will be expected to show compliance with the post-op instructions and certain lifestyle changes for better results, including:

  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Avoid the use of alcohol
  • Avoid smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Practice good hygiene
Simran Bahia

Written By Simran Bahia

Simran Bahia is an experienced content writer with extensive research experience in Immunology and Reproductive Biology. Simran received her Bachelors in Life Sciences from Delhi University, followed by a Master's in Immunology from the Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology. Combining her love for science and writing, Simran enjoys putting a spin on standard methods of medical writing.

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