Why is this procedure done?
The pancreas is an organ that makes enzymes which help break down food for your body to use. The pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon to control the sugar levels in your blood. The groups of cells in your pancreas that work to control your blood sugar are the Islets of Langerhans. ‚
If your islet cells are not working, your doctor may want you to have a pancreatic islet cell transplant. This procedure is done to give you back islet cells that work. You may need this surgery if you do not make insulin. You may also need it to treat chronic pancreatitis or type 1 diabetes. ‚
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What will the results be?
The transplanted islet cells will make insulin by replacing damaged parts of the pancreas. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam and other tests.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may request blood tests.
- You may need to take special drugs to lower your bodys reaction to someone else's islet cells.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make a small cut in your belly.
- Your doctor will put a catheter through the cut into the major blood vessel of your liver.
- Your doctor will use an ultrasound to find the right position.
- Your doctor will inject the islets cells through the catheter. The islets cells will begin making insulin.
- The procedure takes about an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages.
- When you may take a bath or shower.
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
- Wash your hands before and after you touch your wound.
- Your doctor will give drugs to help your body accept the transplanted islet cells.
- You will have a greater chance of getting an infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
- Monitor your blood sugar. Keep a record of your results. You and your doctor will figure out when to stop your insulin after your body starts making it.
- Talk to your doctor about your diet. You may need to make changes to what you are eating. Speak with a dietitian if you need help.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Take your blood sugar records with you for your visit with the doctor. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Transplanted cells do not work
- Bleeding in your belly
- Infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
- Signs of high blood sugar. These include sleepiness, blurry eyesight, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.
Where can I learn more?
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/pancreaticislet/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚