Pancreas transplant program

We have voluntarily and temporarily inactivated our pancreas transplant program as we recruit additional faculty to fill the team. Our heart, lung, liver and kidney transplant programs are unaffected by this temporary change and remain fully operational. PLEASE NOTE: We will continue providing care for post-transplant pancreas patients.

The Shands pancreas transplant team has performed more than 100 transplants in the last nine years. The program is currently ranked 19th in the nation, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Pancreas transplantation is one option available for people with Type I Diabetes Mellitus. A successful transplant can eliminate the need for insulin and return you to a more normal lifestyle. However, the success of the transplant depends on you.

There are three types of pancreas transplants.

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney
Pancreas after kidney
Isolated pancreas only

Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney is an option for patients with Diabetes and End Stage Renal Disease who may or may not be on dialysis.

Pancreas after Kidney Transplant is an option for patients who have already received a kidney transplant and have diabetes.

Isolated Pancreas Transplant is a treatment option for the patient with Type I Diabetes Mellitus that does not have renal disease. These patients usually have very severe hypo/hyperglycemic episodes or the severe, disabling complications of Type I Diabetes and have trouble with daily living.

Pancreas transplantation is not a treatment option for patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus at this time. In Type II Diabetes Mellitus, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body's cells have a relatively low sensitivity to the insulin and therefor are unable to use the insulin in a beneficial manner. People with Type II Diabetes suffer from constant hyperglycemia despite the insulin produced by their pancreas and usually have to take oral medication to control their blood sugar.

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

Transplant Navigation

Heart and Lung Transplant

Pancreas Transplant Navigation

Diet after a pancreas transplant

Evaluation

Facts

Frequently asked questions

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352-265-0254.

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.