A World Leader in Kidney Transplants

The Transplant Center—Pancreas transplants to treat diabetes

Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney (SPK) Transplant

If health allows extensive surgery, a person who suffers from diabetes and has developed kidney failure may prefer to become insulin-independent and dialysis-free in one surgery by undergoing a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant from a deceased or living donor. If extensive surgery is not appropriate, a simultaneous islet and kidney transplant from a deceased donor is a possible option. Candidates for a SPK have chronic renal failure and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

This treatment would not be appropriate for people with uncorrectable coronary artery disease, advanced peripheral vascular disease or age greater than 60 years.