Patient Evaluations for Pancreas Transplant

Patients preparing to undergo a pancreas transplant will be expected to complete multiple testing and consultations as part of their evaluation. The highly trained staff at University Hospitals Transplant Institute helps patients feel at ease, from the first consultation to the actual transplant and follow-up visits.

Interview and Transplant Education

Once a patient is referred to UH Transplant Institute, an intake coordinator will conduct a phone interview with the patient to obtain demographic (address and phone), insurance, and medical information. Once this interview is complete, the patient will be scheduled to attend a mandatory education class. The education class is taught by a transplant nurse coordinator and reviews the following:

• Patient selection criteria
• Necessary medical tests
• The pancreas transplant waiting list
• Information about the procedure itself
• What to expect during recovery
• The importance of anti-rejection drugs to prevent complications
• Long-term frequent post-transplant follow-up care at UH

Patient Evaluation

UH transplant specialists work closely with each patient’s primary care physician to determine whether a patient is likely to be a good candidate for pancreas transplant. Also, our specialists work with the patient and family to decide on the best timing for the transplant surgery.

At the Pancreas Transplant Program at UH, an extensive evaluation is performed before the patient is added to the transplant waiting list. Common tests include:

• Blood tests
• Diagnostic tests
• Mammograms and Pap Smears for females
• Computed tomography (CAT) scan
• Colonoscopy for patients over age 50
• PPD (TB skin test)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Chest x-ray
• Stress test
• Vascular testing

Experts Determine Candidates for Pancreas Transplant

Once the patient has completed all required testing and physician consults, the multidisciplinary team at UH Transplant Institute decides if a patient is a candidate for a pancreas transplant. They will make their decision based on a thorough review of test results, physical examination, medical and social history and doctor recommendations. All decisions made by the multidisciplinary team are discussed with the patient by the transplant nurse coordinator.

Once a patient’s candidacy is determined, they will be place on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list.