Pancreas Transplant

Pancreas Transplant Program

We're one of the only centers providing pancreas, pancreas-kidney and islet transplants.

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Why choose UCSF Health for pancreas transplant?

The UCSF Connie Frank Transplant Center is a leading center for pancreas and pancreas-kidney transplants. We help people with type 1 diabetes and those with diabetes and end-stage kidney disease. We're known for excellent outcomes, and after transplant, our patients enjoy a life free of dialysis and insulin therapy.

Most people who need a pancreas transplant also require a kidney transplant. We have decades of expertise in multi-organ transplant procedures, and our kidney transplant program is one of the largest in the nation.

We're also one of the few centers offering islet transplant. During this minimally invasive procedure, we transplant insulin-producing cells from a donor. Donor islets enable your body to produce insulin, reducing your risk of developing diabetes. This procedure means you won't need lifelong insulin injections.

We guide you through the entire process, from getting on the waitlist and preparing for transplant to surgery and recovery. We're known for our continued care and long-term relationships with patients, even many years after transplant.

Advanced pancreas transplant care

Our experienced transplant teams provide care before, during and after the procedure to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Your dedicated patient navigator guides you through the entire transplant process. Transplant team members include:

  • Surgeons

  • Medical specialists

  • Transplant infectious disease experts

  • Pharmacists

  • Psychiatrists

  • Nurse care coordinators

  • Social workers

Pancreas transplants we perform

We have experience with all three types of pancreas transplants:

  • Pancreas transplant alone (PTA). If you have type 1 diabetes and healthy kidneys, this procedure is the best option.

  • Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK). This procedure is for people with type 1 diabetes and end-stage kidney disease.

  • Pancreas after kidney transplant (PAK). If you have a living kidney donor, you may have a kidney transplant first. Later, you receive a pancreas when one becomes available from a deceased donor.

Pancreas islet transplant expertise

UCSF Health has one of the only centers offering islet transplant. This procedure can reverse diabetes, allowing most recipients to stop using insulin. Our researchers are also investigating ways to regenerate (regrow) islet cells in the pancreas and grow insulin-producing cells in a lab.

We are among the only centers in the West offering total pancreatectomy – islet auto-transplantation, an advanced procedure to lower your diabetes risk after pancreas removal surgery. We are also a leading center performing this procedure on pediatric patients with chronic pancreatitis.

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    Award-winning transplant care

    We've received national recognition for our excellent transplant outcomes and outstanding care.

    Related conditions & treatments

    Advanced pancreas care for children

    We provide expert, compassionate care for children of all ages living with acute or chronic pancreas conditions.