Pancreas Transplant Recovery and Follow-Up

Hospital recovery for a pancreas transplant is usually 5-10 days if there are no complications. The length of stay depends on your medical condition and needs.

Immediately after surgery, you'll spend 24-48 hours in intensive care. You'll be in transplant care for the rest of your hospital stay. You may be able to get out of bed the day after surgery.

Before you go home, we'll give you information about your medications, lab tests and follow-up care.

You play a very important role in your recovery and the overall success of your new pancreas. Be sure to follow the instructions of your doctors. Keep lab and doctor appointments, and call your transplant coordinator if there are any problems.

Your care continues after you leave the hospital. Your pancreas transplant team will continue to monitor your progress and answer any questions you have along the way. After discharge from the hospital, a posttransplant coordinator will be your primary contact for long-term follow-up care.

During the first year after your transplant, you'll see the pancreas transplant team weekly or every other week. As your condition stabilizes, you'll return to the care of your primary care doctor.

You'll visit your transplant team every year, close to the anniversary of your transplant. Your team will fully assess your progress and discuss any health concerns you may have.

Remember, your transplant team is always available. Don't hesitate to contact your transplant coordinator if you have questions or concerns.

Your first clinic appointment after the transplant is the most important. Note the date and time, and keep the clinic's phone number handy in case you need to speak with a transplant coordinator.

Each time you return to the transplant clinic for follow-up care, we'll test your blood to ensure your pancreas is functioning properly.

You'll take immunosuppression medications for the rest of your life to help prevent transplant rejection. You'll also have to be careful to avoid infections.

We'll help you learn the names of your medications, dosage amounts and times. Talk to your transplant coordinator or doctor about making any dosage changes. Not following your medication regimen can cause decreased function or loss of the organ. Report any side effects to your coordinator or doctor.

We are one of the few transplant programs in the U.S. to minimize steroid use for immunosuppression after patient discharge. Tapering off corticosteroids within four weeks after surgery reduces side effects, such as diabetes, weight gain, osteoporosis and bone fractures, and reduces patient morbidity.

After you go home, relax and give yourself adequate time to recover. You won't be able to drive or lift objects weighing more than 10 pounds for two to four weeks. If you experience no complications, you may be able to resume light work activities in six to eight weeks. Your pancreas transplant nurse coordinator can answer questions about activities you can and can't do during recovery.

Follow these tips to keep your new pancreas healthy.