Treatment

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