Pancreas Transplant Service

Jacqueline Lappin , M.D.
Dr. Lappin plans to expand the pancreas program here at UT, with particular emphasis on the combined use of live kidney and deceased donor pancreas transplantation and for patients with normal renal function pancreas transplants alone. It is so satisfying to see what Pancreas transplantation alone or in combination with kidney transplantation can do to alter the quality of life for these patients – patients who maybe couldn’t be alone because of hypoglycemic unawareness, patients who now have a chance to slow down or delay the consequences of poor glucose control.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar into energy. The exact causes of diabetes are not known, although genetics, obesity and lack of exercise seem to contribute.

Type I diabetes (juvenile onset)

Results from the body's failure to produce insulin; so there is nothing to signal the cells to take in glucose and metabolize it.

Type II diabetes (adult onset)

Results from insulin resistance (insulin is present, but the signal for proper glucose uptake and metabolism is lost. The problem could be in the insulin itself or in any one of the proteins involved in glucose uptake and metabolism.). Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type II diabetes.

Why aren't Type II diabetics good candidates for pancreas transplantation?

The pancreas is an irregularly shaped 5 to 6-inch gland located behind the stomach. It produces enzymes used for digestion and islet cells within the organ secrete glucagon, which regulates blood sugar levels, and insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. If the pancreas fails, the individual becomes diabetic and may require insulin therapy. In people with Type I (juvenile onset) diabetes, the islet cells in the pancreas no longer produce insulin. Type II (adult onset) diabetes is a different form of the disease involving the body's inability to properly respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas, rather failure of the organ. Therefore, Type II diabetics may not benefit from replacement of the pancreas. One of the complications of diabetes is kidney failure, often necessitating transplantation. For Type I diabetics requiring renal transplantation, the combined pancreas/kidney transplant is often a good option for resolving both the kidney failure and the diabetes that caused it. According to UNOS data, 469 pancreas transplants were performed nationally in 2007 (including simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants).

Contact:

Memorial Hermann Hospital - TMC

Care Coordinators:
713-704-4071

Answering Service
713-428-6374

Location & Contact

6431 Fannin Street
MSB 6.240
Houston, Texas 77030
Tel: 713-500-7400
Fax: 713-500-0785