Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation

by Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH

Definition

Islet cells are the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is the transfer of islet cells from a donor to another person. The procedure is being studied as a method to treat select patients with chronic uncontrolled type 1 (and some type 2) diabetes.

The Pancreas

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Reasons for Procedure

Pancreatic islet cells are made up of alpha and beta cells. Type 1 diabetes develops when the beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed. They are destroyed by the body's own immune system. Without these cells, the body is unable to make insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections.

Transplants are most commonly used for persons with recurrent severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) and/or who are also receiving kidney transplants. Newly transplanted islet cells can produce insulin. This allow better daily control of the blood sugars with a lower risk of hypoglycemia.

Possible Complications    TOP

If you are planning to have a transplant, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

  • Toxicity from immunosuppressive agents
  • Injury to the liver or the pancreas
  • Cholesterol problems
  • Sensitization—The recipient may form antibodies to future islet cells for repeat transplant.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Worsening of kidney function
  • Worsening of high blood pressure

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Smoking
  • Kidney disease
  • Bleeding disorders

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Procedure

A review board will determine if you will be eligible for a transplant. Once on the transplant list, one may have to wait months or years for a suitable donor.

Your doctor will order blood tests. A physical exam will be done. These tests will assess the extent and severity of diabetic complications. This includes damage to the kidneys. The donor must also be carefully screened for blood and serum matching.

Anesthesia

Local or general anesthesia may be used. Local will numb the area. You will be asleep with general anesthesia.

Description of Procedure

Pancreas transplant surgery is major surgery and requires special expertise in select medical centers. The cells are delicate and may fail even in the best of circumstances.

Before surgery, islet cells are removed from a donor pancreas. Usually, these cells are used within the next 24 hours.

An incision will be made in the abdomen. A small plastic tube will be placed through the incision and into a major blood vessel of the liver. An ultrasound will be used to locate the right position. Islets cells will be injected through the tube. The cells travel through the vein and attach to the liver. When successful, they will begin making insulin.

Immediately After Procedure

Your blood glucoses may be normal immediately following transplantation.

Your immune system may attack the transferred cells. To prevent this type of attack, called rejection, you will be given medicines to suppress your immune system.

Similar medicines to suppress the immune system are usually needed for the rest of the person’s life to prevent rejection.

How Long Will It Take?

Generally several hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

The area of surgical incision may sting or burn. Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. After the procedure, some patients experience pain or soreness for a few days. If you have discomfort, ask your doctor about pain medicine.

Average Hospital Stay

4-10 days

Post-procedure Care

  • Keep the incision wound clean.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions about wound care.
  • Check your blood glucose frequently. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Closely control blood sugar levels with insulin.

Your doctor may repeat the process several times to transfer more islet cells.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • High or low blood glucose levels

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American College of Surgeons
http://www.facs.org/
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca/index.html

References:

Bertuzzi F, Marzorati S, Secchi A. Islet cell transplantation. Curr Mol Med . 2006;6:369-74.
Campbell, PM, Senior, PA, Salam, A, et al. High risk of sensitization after failed islet transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2007; 7:2311.
Demartines N, Schiesser M, Clavien PA. An evidence-based analysis of simultaneous pancreas-kidney and pancreas transplantation alone. Am J Transplant . 2005;5:2688-97.
Fiorina P, Secchi A. Pancreatic islet cell transplant for treatment of diabetes. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am . 2007;36:999-1013.
Hogan A, Pileggi a, Ricordi C. Transplantation: current developments and future directions: the future of clinical islet transplantation as a cure for diabetes. Front Biosci . 2008;13: 1192-205.
Leitao CB, Cure P, Theravanij T, et al. Current challenges in islet transplantation. Curr Diab Rep . 2008;8:324-31.
Roberson RP. Islet transplantation as a treatment for diabetes: a work in progress. N Engl J Med . 2004;350:694-705.
Shapiro AM, Ricordi C, Hering BJ, et al. International trial of the Edmonton protocol for islet transplantation. N Engl J Med . 2006; 355:1318.
Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, et al., eds. Transplantation of abdominal organs. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery . 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2004.
6/3/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Kim Carmichael, MD
Last Updated: 11/26/2012