Islet Cell Transplant Surgery

Overview

Islet Cell Transplant Surgery is an advanced treatment that helps restore insulin production in people with severe diabetes especially Type 1 diabetes. The procedure involves transferring pancreatic islet cells from a donor into the recipient’s liver where they begin producing insulin. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for insulin injections.

Why Islet Cell Transplant Surgery is Required?

• For Type 1 Diabetes Patients: Helps those whose pancreas no longer produces insulin.
• Prevents Severe Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Reduces dangerous highs and lows.
• Alternative to Insulin Injections: May eliminate or reduce the need for insulin shots.
• Life Changing for Hypoglycemia Unawareness: Helps those who struggle with sudden severe low blood sugar episodes.
• Restores Natural Insulin Production: Allows the body to regulate blood sugar more effectively.

Key Advantages of Islet Cell Transplant Surgery

• Better Blood Sugar Control: Fewer highs and lows reducing diabetes complications.
• Lower Need for Insulin: Many patients require little to no insulin post surgery.
• Minimally Invasive: No major surgery is required, islet cells are infused into the liver.
• Improves Quality of Life: Less stress more freedom from constant glucose monitoring.
• Prevents Severe Hypoglycemia: Reduces the risk of life threatening blood sugar crashes.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Islet Cell Transplant Surgery Treatment?

• Medical Evaluation: Tests to check eligibility for the procedure.
• Blood and Imaging Tests: To ensure the body is ready for transplantation.
• Immunosuppressive Medications: May be required to prevent rejection of new islet cells.
• Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid smoking, alcohol and manage blood sugar levels.
• Mental Preparation: Understand risks benefits and the need for post surgery care.

How Islet Cell Transplant Surgery is Performed?

• Islet Cell Extraction: Healthy pancreatic islet cells are collected from a donor.
• Purification and Processing: The cells are carefully prepared for transplantation.
• Transplantation: The islet cells are infused into the liver through a catheter.
• Recovery and Monitoring: Doctors track insulin production and overall health.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure:

Medical tests, eligibility assessment and discussion about the cost of islet cell transplant.

Possible immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection.

2. During the Procedure:

A simple infusion process done under local anesthesia.

No major surgery, the procedure is minimally invasive.

3. After the Procedure:

Continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Regular follow ups to assess the success of the islet cell transplant.

Medication may be needed to support new pancreatic islet cells.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Rejection of Islet Cells: The body may attack transplanted cells requiring immunosuppressive therapy.
• Need for Additional Transplants: Some patients may require multiple islet cell transplants.
• Risk of Infection: Due to immune suppressing medications.
• Blood Clots or Bleeding: A rare but possible complication.
• Partial or Complete Transplant Failure: Some islet cells may not function as expected.

Results/Outcomes

• High Success Rates: Many patients experience reduced or eliminated insulin dependency.
• Better Blood Sugar Stability: Fewer complications and improved daily life.
• Potential for Long Term Insulin Independence: Some patients go years without needing insulin.
• Improved Quality of Life: More freedom from strict diabetes management.
• Successful in Autologous Islet Cell Transplant: Using a patient’s own islet cells lowers rejection