About This Program
The Pancreas Transplant Program is a specialty program within the Abdominal Transplant Center, the clinical partnership between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin.
The Pancreas Transplant Program provides comprehensive care for adult patients (18 years and older) with type 1 diabetes or those who are experiencing life-threatening complications from uncontrolled glucose levels. We work with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your needs, using a combination of specialized procedures and medications to prevent organ rejection. Our goal is to increase your quality and longevity of life.
Some patients may need a simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant, which is also offered through the Abdominal Transplant Center.
Treatment Approach
A successful pancreas transplantation will eliminate the need for insulin injections, reduce or eliminate dietary and activity restrictions due to diabetes, and decrease or eliminate the risk of severe low blood sugar reactions. A pancreas transplantation can also help manage the damage to other organs, including the kidneys, that may result from type 1 diabetes. A healthy pancreas is taken from a deceased or brain-dead donor who meets transplant criteria and matches immunologically with your body.
After your transplant, you will receive ongoing care to minimize any potential complications and to help you fully recover. The Pancreas Transplant Program care team works closely with you before, during, and after your transplant to ensure favorable outcomes.
Patients are cared for by a dedicated multidisciplinary care team, meaning you will benefit from the expertise of multiple specialists across a variety of disciplines. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained transplant surgeons have extensive experience in organ transplantation as well as the ongoing care for donors and work alongside a team of transplant experts, including transplant coordinators, nurses, advanced practice providers, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and more, providing unparalleled care for patients every step of the way.
Appointment Information
To be considered for a pancreas transplant, you must first undergo a thorough medical evaluation, which can take up to several months to complete and may involve a variety of tests, including advanced imaging, chest x-rays, consultations, an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) test, laboratory testing, physical exams, stress tests, and more. These test results allow the Pancreas Transplant Program care team to determine your candidacy for receiving a transplant. Upon completion of testing, all results will be reviewed with you.
For more information about the Pancreas Transplant Program, please call 1-512-324-7930. You can also fax referrals to 1-833-340-0748.