pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Risks

A pancreas transplant is a major operation. As with all types of surgery, there's a risk of complications.

Some complications can happen soon after the operation, while others may develop months, or even years, later.

Rejection

One of the most common complications of a pancreas transplant is rejection of the donor pancreas.

This happens in between 10 to 15 out of 100 people who have a pancreas transplant.

Rejection is where the immune system recognises the transplanted pancreas as foreign and attacks it.

It usually occurs in the days, weeks or months after the transplant, although it can sometimes happen years later.

Immunosuppressant medicine can reduce the risk of rejection.

Symptoms of rejection include:

  • pain and swelling in your tummy
  • a high temperature
  • being sick
  • chills and aches
  • extreme tiredness
  • puffy, swollen ankles
  • shortness of breath

Contact a GP or your transplant team as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.

Rejection can usually be treated by increasing your dose of immunosuppressant medicine.

Immunosuppressant side effects

The immunosuppressant medicines you need to take to prevent rejection can have a number of significant side effects.

These can include:

  • an increased risk of getting infections
  • shaky hands
  • difficulty sleeping
  • high blood pressure
  • hair loss or thinning
  • mood swings
  • weight gain
  • an upset stomach
  • a rash
  • weakened bones (osteoporosis)
  • an increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly skin cancer

Speak to your transplant team if you have any troublesome side effects.

Do not stop taking your medicine without getting medical advice first.

Infections

Immunosuppressant medicine will weaken your immune system and make you more likely to get an infection.

While taking the medicine, it's a good idea to:

  • report any possible symptoms of an infection to a GP or your transplant team immediately – things to look out for include a high temperature, aching muscles, diarrhoea or headaches
  • ensure your vaccinations are up to date – speak to a GP or your transplant team for advice about any additional vaccines you might need as some are not safe if you're taking immunosuppressant medicines
  • avoid close contact with anyone who has an infection – even if it's an infection to which you were previously immune, such as chickenpox

To help prevent infection, you may be given antibioticsantifungal medicine or antiviral medicine to take for the first few weeks or months after your transplant.

Blood clots

Blood clots can sometimes form in the blood vessels that supply the new pancreas, which can stop it working properly.

The risk of this happening is highest in the days after the operation, so you'll be closely monitored in hospital to check for any signs of a blood clot.

You'll also be given blood-thinning medicine to reduce the chances of a clot forming.

If a blood clot does develop in the new pancreas, the pancreas transplant will often need to be removed completely.

Blood clots can also form in other blood vessels after surgery, such as those in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or supplying your lungs (pulmonary embolism), but taking blood-thinning medicine should help prevent this.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is swelling of the pancreas and is common in the first few days after surgery.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

  • a dull pain in your tummy
  • feeling sick
  • vomiting

Pancreatitis should pass within a few days.

But sometimes tubes may need to be placed in your tummy to drain any excess fluid off the donor pancreas.

In a few cases, it may be necessary to remove the donor pancreas.

Last Reviewed
11 November 2022
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions