Pancreas Transplant in India
The pancreas regulates blood sugar by producing insulin. When it fails—as in Type 1 Diabetes or severe pancreatic damage—blood sugar becomes uncontrollable and harms the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. A Pancreas Transplant replaces the diseased organ with a healthy donor pancreas, restoring natural insulin production and often eliminating insulin injections.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
Pancreas transplant restores natural insulin in patients with Type 1 Diabetes and severe complications (hypoglycemia unawareness, neuropathy, nephropathy) or carefully selected insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes. It may be performed alone (PTA), after a prior kidney transplant (PAK), or simultaneously with a kidney transplant (SKP) for diabetic kidney disease.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Expert transplant surgeons trained in top US and European centers
- NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals with advanced transplant ICUs
- Access to simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplant for diabetic nephropathy
- Costs 70–80% lower than Western countries
- Ethical donor allocation via NOTTO national organ-sharing network
- Comprehensive post-op monitoring and diabetes rehabilitation programs
Top Indian hospitals report eighty-five to ninety percent success—comparable with leading global centers.
How the procedure works in simple steps
Think of it as replacing a faulty “sugar regulator”—the new pancreas brings balance back to your body’s energy system.
- Evaluation: Heart, kidney, and metabolic assessments confirm suitability.
- Donor matching: A compatible deceased-donor pancreas is allocated via national registries.
- Surgery: Under general anesthesia, the donor pancreas (with a small bowel segment) is placed in the lower abdomen; blood vessels are connected and the bowel segment drains pancreatic juices. The native pancreas usually remains.
- Recovery: ICU monitoring, medication titration, and glucose stabilization.
Operation time is typically 4–6 hours; most patients stay 2–3 weeks.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Type 1 Diabetes with severe complications or hypoglycemia unawareness
- Simultaneous kidney–pancreas for diabetic nephropathy
- Selected insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes meeting criteria
Consider waiting if there are active infections, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, you’re unfit for major surgery, or donor organ availability is pending. Your transplant team confirms eligibility and timing.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Freedom from insulin injections and frequent glucose checks
- Normal blood sugar and improved energy
- Lower risk of diabetes-related eye, nerve, kidney, and heart damage
- Better quality of life and long-term survival
Possible risks (closely managed)
- Rejection episodes (controlled with immunosuppressants)
- Infections during low-immunity periods
- Surgical issues such as bleeding or clots
- Side effects from lifelong medications
Modern immunosuppression and standardized protocols in India minimize risks and support durable outcomes.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Week 1–2: ICU care; insulin withdrawal and glucose stabilization.
- Month 1–3: Energy and appetite improve; incision heals.
- Month 3–6: Normal sugars without injections; light exercise returns.
- Month 6–12: Full recovery with routine follow-ups and dose adjustments.
Patient moment “After my transplant in India, I stopped insulin for the first time in 20 years—life truly started again.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Pancreas Transplant | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Pancreas Transplant Alone (PTA) | 30000 – 40000 | 20 – 25 days |
| Simultaneous Kidney–Pancreas (SKP) | 45000 – 60000 | 25 – 30 days |
| Pancreas After Kidney (PAK) | 40000 – 50000 | 25 – 30 days |
Final cost varies by hospital, donor allocation, and recovery time. Personalized quotes follow medical evaluation.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choose a center like you’d choose an engineer to recalibrate a control system—precision, safety, and post-care matter most.
- Surgeon’s experience in pancreas and multi-organ transplants
- NABH/JCI accreditation and dedicated transplant ICU
- Multidisciplinary support (endocrinology, nephrology, nutrition)
- Clear post-transplant care plan and medication guidance
- Transparent outcomes and infection-control measures
Ask about insulin-free rates, rejection protocols, and long-term follow-up programs.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Will I be insulin-free after surgery?
Most patients produce their own insulin and stop injections.
How long does a transplanted pancreas last?
Often 10–15+ years with good care.
Can I get kidney and pancreas together?
Yes—simultaneous kidney–pancreas is common for diabetic nephropathy.
What success rates in India?
Leading hospitals report 85–90% success, comparable to Western centers.
How long is the donor wait?
Varies by blood group and region; NOTTO helps shorten waiting times.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch inspiring stories of patients who became insulin-free after pancreas transplants in India.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Take immunosuppressants exactly as prescribed, avoid infections, maintain hygiene, and monitor blood sugar as advised. Never miss follow-up appointments.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews transplant and metabolic-surgery content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure medical accuracy and patient safety.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Pancreas transplantation must be planned and supervised by an experienced transplant team under legal and ethical protocols.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost