Early risks of a pancreas transplant
This looks at problems that could occur in the days or weeks following a pancreas transplant
Key points
- All surgical procedures have some risks. Transplants also have the risk of your body rejecting the organ(s)
- Each patient is unique and risks differ on a case-by-case basis
- For a pancreas transplant, risks are categorised as very common, common, uncommon or rare
- It’s important to remember that your doctor will only recommend a pancreas transplant if they think that the benefits outweigh the risks for you
What happens in the early days after a pancreas transplant?
The first few days and weeks after a pancreas transplant are an important time. There may be serious problems after a transplant. This may be due to the surgery, or may be due to the immunosuppressant medicines. For the first 3-6 months after a transplant there will be frequent clinic visits to check your health and the health of the pancreas (or kidney) transplant.
What could go wrong early on?
Some patients might experience complications or problems either during the operation or in the days or weeks following a pancreas transplant.
This page looks at early risks for the ‘average’ patient, however every patient is different. Your pancreas care team will discuss your personal risks with you.
Very common early risks
These affect more than 10 in 100 patients
Common early risks
These affect between 1 in 100 and 10 in 100 patients
Rare early risks
These affect fewer than 1 in 1000 patients
Other early risks
All risks vary from patient to patient, but some risks change significantly on a case-by-case basis.
Patients having a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant
Patients having a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant should also take a look at the early risks of a kidney transplant.