Kidney and Pancreas Transplant
At the UPMC Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program, our mission is to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. We view living-donor kidney transplant as a frontline treatment option and offer it to all patients who may qualify.
As one of the nation’s most experienced transplant programs, we have performed more than 1,700 living-donor kidney transplants and more than 4,400 deceased-donor kidney transplants since 1988. With vast experience in kidney, pancreas, and combined kidney-pancreas transplants, our experts take on some of the most complex cases using a patient-centered approach, and they provide guidance each step of the way.
Comprehensive Care for Your Patient
The UPMC Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program’s multidisciplinary team aims to restore quality of life for individuals with advanced kidney disease. The team of surgeons, transplant coordinators, and a dedicated living donation liaison ensures ongoing communication, quality care, and support for kidney transplant recipients and living donors.
Our team also includes you – the referring physician. We will work with you and your team to ensure a seamless referral process and will collaborate with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that best fits the unique needs of your patient.
Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Eligibility
At UPMC, we evaluate every patient referred to us to determine the best treatment option for them. We accept traditional and complex, high-risk cases. Our team evaluates patients with the following conditions or risk factors:
Kidney Transplant
- Chronic kidney disease (currently on dialysis)
- Chronic kidney disease (not yet on dialysis)
Kidney-Pancreas Transplant
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic autonomic neuropathy or gastroparesis
- Accelerated atherosclerosis
Pancreas Transplant
- Insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes
- Diabetes that is difficult to manage
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unawareness
When to Refer a Patient
To best implement this model of care, we need to start working with you and your patients early in their disease progression. Delaying the evaluation process can:
- Allow more time for your patient’s disease to progress
- Cause further decline in their overall health
- Decrease their chances of being a suitable candidate for kidney and/or pancreas transplantation
Referring a patient early means that we have more time to work with you to discuss the patient’s needs and medical history to determine the optimal care.
To refer a patient to UPMC:
