Department of Surgery
Division of Solid Organ Transplantation
Procedures
Pancreas Transplant Surgery
The Transplant Process - A Match is Made
Guide to Pancreas Transplant |
Currently, the policy groups people waiting for an organ by the severity of illness and other medical factors, such as blood type. Within any given group, pancreases are allocated based on the length of time a person has been on the waiting list and, especially in the case of a kidney-pancreas transplant, on the degree of match between donor and recipient. Organs are assigned to the best match regardless of geographic region.
Matching is initially based on two factors:
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Blood type: Your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) must be compatible with the donor's blood type.
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HLA factors: HLA stands for human leukocyte antigen, a genetic marker located on the surface of your white blood cells. You inherit a set of three antigens from your mother and three from your father; a higher number of matching antigens increases the chances that your new organ will last for a long time.
If you're selected on the basis of the first two factors, a third is evaluated:
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Antibodies: Your immune system may produce antibodies that act specifically against something in the donor's tissues. This is checked by mixing a small sample of your blood with a small sample of the donor's blood in a tube; if no reaction occurs (often called a negative cross-match) you should be able to accept the donated organ
While you’re on the wait list, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments with the transplant team and follow a set of important instructions. For example, you must tell us if:
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You’re hospitalized
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Your medical condition worsens
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Your address or telephone number changes
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You lose insurance coverage
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You travel out of town
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Any other changes that may affect your medical care
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You need to have regular dental examinations and treat any tooth decay or other oral infections
You must be ready at all times to come to the hospital when called, and you can be called at any time for a transplant. Carry a pager or cell phone with you at all times. If you don’t have one, contact our office and we’ll assign you a pager. Also, you should continue to have regular appointments with your specialist and/or primary care physicians.