Kidney-Pancreas Transplant

Kidney-Pancreas Transplant

Progressive Care for Advanced Diabetes

If you have kidney failure and are taking insulin or undergoing dialysis for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you may need a combined kidney-pancreas transplant. Many patients who have this surgery no longer need those daily treatments. Emory Healthcare takes a multidisciplinary approach to pancreas transplant care.

Our team includes these experts:

  • Kidney doctors (nephrologists)
  • Infectious disease doctors
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Nutritionists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician assistants
  • Social workers
  • Transplant coordinators
  • Transplant surgeons

A combined kidney-pancreas transplant is often the best treatment option for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. So, we work together to deliver the highest level of care and improve your quality of life.

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Pancreas Transplant

A Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Pioneer

A kidney-pancreas transplant can eliminate your kidney failure and be life-changing. At Emory Healthcare, we are here if you or a loved one needs this surgery. Our transplant program ranks among the most prestigious in the country. And we provide personalized, attentive care throughout your transplant journey.

  • In 1989, we completed Georgia’s first combined kidney-pancreas transplant. Today, our expert team transplants both organs during the same surgery. If needed, we can transplant a pancreas after a kidney.
  • The National Committee for Quality Assurance recognized us twice for our outstanding patient-centered services. So, you can be confident you’ll receive the most sensitive, respectful care from us.

Get the Expert Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Care You Need

Emory Healthcare is right here, right when you need us. Our caring transplant team can help you with your kidney and pancreas disease concerns. 

Diabetes Treatments at Emory Healthcare

If your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar, you may have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Over time, you can develop kidney disease or kidney failure. If you do, you may need a kidney-pancreas transplant. We may try to treat your diabetes with other options before we recommend a transplant. These options include insulin medication, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. 
The Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Process
Your transplant journey begins with a visit with our kidney-pancreas transplant team. As your transplant partner, we will help you navigate this process. We will be by your side from your first evaluation to your surgery and recovery. At Emory Healthcare, we use organs from deceased donors for all kidney-pancreas transplants
Learn more about the entire kidney-pancreas transplant process

Getting Approved for a Pancreas Transplant

To qualify for a transplant, you must meet specific criteria. During an initial evaluation, our experts review your medical history. We also perform many pre-transplant tests. We perform the same pre-transplant tests for both pancreas transplant and kidney transplant.

In a second visit, our pancreas transplant surgeon and transplant nephrologist explain the benefits and risks of the surgery. After our team reviews your test results, we will decide if you are a good candidate for transplant. You will receive our recommendation in writing.

The Pancreas Transplant Waiting List

If our experts recommend you for a transplant, we put your name on the UNOS wait list. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the national organization that regulates organ transplantation. This agency works with LifeLink of Georgia, the group that coordinates organ donation in the state. Together, they connect you with donor organs.

Your dialysis unit or doctor’s office will send us a blood sample every month. We use that sample to check if you match with any available donor organs. There is a critical shortage of donor organs, so you may be on the wait list for several years.

If you have questions about the organ match process, call UNOS Patient Services at 1-888-894-6361.

Support for Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Patients

Transplantation can be a long, overwhelming process. It’s normal to feel stress or anxiety at any point. If you need help managing these emotions, talk with your doctor. You can also contact the Georgia Transplant Foundation’s Mentor Project. This group puts you in touch with someone who has been through this process and is living with a transplant.

Many patients travel to Emory Healthcare for transplant. Our Mason Guest House is a low-cost housing option for our transplant patients and their families.

How to Refer a Patient

Our transplant team is dedicated to serving you and your patients. To make a referral or discuss a patient, please call  855-366-7989, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours and on weekends, please call 404-778-5000.

To refer a patient, please fax these documents to 404-727-8972.

  • Completed patient referral form
  • Most recent medical history and physical exam
  • Patient’s height and weight 
  • Patient’s insurance card (copy of front and back)
Download patient referral forms

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Explore our Network

To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.

 

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment with Emory Transplant Services

Make an appointment online or call 404-778-7777 to schedule an appointment.

Refer a Patient

Refer a Patient to Emory Transplant

Our transplant team is dedicated to serving you and your patients. To make a referral or discuss a patient, please call 855-366-7989. After hours and on weekends, please call 404-778-5000.

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Organ Transplant Services