Why choose Ohio State for kidney-pancreas transplant?

Experience: Our Comprehensive Transplant Center has one of the largest organ transplant programs in the nation and is a preferred provider for all major insurance companies. Each year we perform nearly 600 kidney, liver, pancreas, combined kidney-pancreas, heart and lung transplants. Since our program started in 1967, we have performed 12,500 lifesaving organ transplants including 8,350 kidney transplants and 990 kidney-pancreas transplants. We are also among the busiest kidney-pancreas centers in the world and the only adult transplant center in central Ohio. Our first combined kidney-pancreas transplant was performed in 1988.

Leading-edge treatments: We are one of the few sites in North America approved to process pancreatic islet cells for transplantation that may cure type 1 diabetes.

Kidney-pancreas transplant research: We participate in clinical trials of new immunosuppressive drugs and antirejection therapies.

Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Candidates

Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Candidates

People whose kidneys have failed because of type 1 diabetes may be best served by combined kidney-pancreas transplantation. Under these circumstances, the diabetic usually receives both a kidney and a pancreas from a single deceased donor. The transplant candidate may obtain a combined kidney-pancreas transplant prior to the need for dialysis.

Candidates for kidney-pancreas transplantation must show that they are able and willing to be involved in their own care. A great deal of the transplant’s success depends on the patient’s ability to take medications as instructed and to follow the recommendations of the transplant surgeons and nurses. 

Kidney-pancreas transplantation is not an option for people with type 2 diabetes because their tissues are not able to use insulin effectively. However, a kidney transplant is an option for people with type 2 diabetes who experience kidney failure. People who also aren't generally candidates include those with metastatic cancer, active infection or severe medical problems.

Tips From Our Experts

Our Providers

Austin Schenk, MD, PHD
4.9 out of 5

Austin Schenk, MD, PHD

  • Transplant
  • Physician

Associate Professor of Surgery

Accepting new patients
  • Brain and Spine Hospital
  • Comprehensive Transplant Center in Brain and Spine Hospital
(614) 293-6724
Kristin Kuntz, PhD

Kristin Kuntz, PhD

  • Psychology
  • Psychologist

Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

Accepting new patients
(614) 293-9600
Amer Rajab, MD, PHD
4.8 out of 5

Amer Rajab, MD, PHD

  • Transplant
  • General Surgery
  • Physician

Clinical Professor of Surgery

Accepting new patients
  • Brain and Spine Hospital
  • Comprehensive Transplant Center in Brain and Spine Hospital
(614) 293-6724

Our Locations

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