Cost of Pancreas Transplantation in India

1. The estimated cost of pancreas transplant in India starts from approximately USD 18,000, depending on various factors.
2. With an 85% success rate in pancreas transplantation, India is considered one of the leading countries for this procedure.
3. Renowned doctors including Dr. Mahesh Gopasetty, Dr. Mukut Minz, and Dr. Sudheer O V. operate in the top pancreas transplant centers in India, such as Fortis Bangalore Hospital, PGI Chandigarh, and Amrita Hospitals.
4. The hospital procedure lasts for ten days, and patients must stay in India for about a month.

Pancreas Transplantation: Overview

The pancreas is a vital component of the digestive system, located below the stomach in the abdominal cavity. The pancreas is responsible for producing several crucial hormones like insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide, which circulate in the blood and maintain the body’s equilibrium.

However, the pancreas may stop functioning due to different reasons such as cancer and could be life-threatening. Pancreas transplantation is the only viable option to restore its functionality. The surgical procedure involves replacing the patient’s pancreas with a donor’s pancreas, which takes almost eight to ten hours and primarily performed via an open surgical approach.

Symptoms

1. Weight loss and loss of appetite
2. Diarrhea
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Jaundice
6. Pain in the upper abdomen
7. Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
8. Severe fatigue

Causes

1. Excessive alcohol consumption
2. Overproduction of insulin
3. Gallstones that get stuck in the pancreatic duct or bile

Diagnosis

The doctors perform a thorough physical examination and review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family history before recommending the patient for pancreas transplantation. The doctor also performs multiple tests to obtain detailed information on the patient’s overall health, such as blood tests, x-ray scans, kidney function tests, neuropsychological exams, and other necessary tests to determine if the patient is fit for the procedure. All these tests take around two to three months and crucial to avoid further complications.

The Procedure of Pancreas Transplantation

Pre-Transplant

1. The doctor will obtain complete details of medications, supplements, and any other medical conditions the patient may have.
2. The patient is not allowed to consume food or beverages eight to ten hours before the surgery.

During the Transplant

1. Surgery takes around eight to ten hours under general anesthesia.
2. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen (just below the breastbone to belly button) to access the pancreas.
3. The surgeon transplants the donor pancreas to the patient’s right abdomen and connects it to the blood vessels carrying blood to the patient’s leg.
4. The surgeon attaches a small portion of the donor pancreas to the patient’s small intestine or bladder, allowing digestive juices to drain from the donor pancreas into the patient’s blood.
5. The surgeon then closes the incision with internal and external sutures.

Post-Transplant

1. The recovery period post-pancreas transplantation takes several months. The correct amount of time is required to resume normal activities and movement. Regular follow-ups with the doctors are essential to keep track of the recovery.
2. For the first six months, only simple activities are permitted.
3. Activities such as exercise, running, jumping, and playing sports are allowed almost a year after surgery.
4. Regular monitoring of the patient’s progress is essential for a successful recovery.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Pancreas Transplantation in India

1. The overall cost of pancreas transplant surgery in India is primarily influenced by the hospital and the state where the patient receives treatment. The cost of setting up a hospital in one area may be higher than in another, making some hospitals charge more for their services.
2. The total cost includes the price of medications, specialist fees, diagnostic procedures, the price of the donor pancreas, and the total hospital stay.