Risks

Complications of the procedure

Pancreas transplant surgery carries a risk of significant complications, including:

• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Excess sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) or other metabolic problems
• Urinary complications, including leaking or urinary tract infections
• Failure of the donated pancreas
• Rejection of the donated pancreas

Anti-rejection medication side effects

After a pancreas transplant, you'll take medications for the rest of your life to help prevent your body from rejecting the donor pancreas. These anti-rejection medications can cause a variety of side effects, including:

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to sunlight

Other side effects may include:

• Puffiness
• Weight gain
• Swollen gums
• Acne
• Excessive hair growth or loss

Anti-rejection drugs work by suppressing your immune system. These drugs also make it harder for your body to defend itself against infection and disease.