First Pancreas Transplant Program In Broward County: Simultaneous Transplantation Could Afford A Solution To Both Diabetes And Kidney Failure

The Abdominal Transplant Program at Memorial is led by two renowned experts in the field: Dr. Basit Javaid, a Transplant Nephrologist with more than 25 years of experience Facilitating Transplantation with excellent Post-Transplant outcomes for patients, serves as Chief of Abdominal Transplant Medicine; and Dr. Seyed Ghasemian, who has more than 30 years of experience with Organ Transplantations, serves as Chief of The Abdominal Transplant Surgery Program.

"With the addition of the Pancreas Transplant Program, we further enhance our reputation as a leading Transplant Center in the region, with the advanced expertise to take on the most complex cases," said Dr. Javaid. "Together, our Transplant Nephrologists, Surgeons, Nurse Coordinators, Dieticians, Social Workers, and other Healthcare Specialists are committed to ensuring positive outcomes for our patients."

The Need
Kidney Failure is a devastating condition that can have life-altering consequences for patients. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is one of the leading causes of Kidney Failure, as high levels of Blood Sugar can damage the Kidneys over time. Patients experiencing Kidney Failure due to Insulin-Dependent Diabetes require specialized care and treatment to manage their condition effectively.

One of the most common treatments for patients with Kidney Failure is Dialysis. Dialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste and excess fluids from the blood, replicating the function of healthy Kidneys. For patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes, Dialysis is a critical treatment option that can help manage their condition and prevent further damage to their Kidneys.

Another important aspect of managing Kidney Failure in patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is controlling Blood Sugar Levels. High Blood Sugar can exacerbate Kidney Damage and increase the risk of complications. Patients must work closely with their Healthcare Team to monitor their Blood Sugar Levels, adjust their Insulin Dosages, and make any necessary lifestyle changes to manage their condition effectively.

Furthermore, patients with Kidney Failure may require additional Medical Interventions, such as transplantation. Patients experiencing Kidney Failure due to having Insulin-Dependent Diabetes could qualify for a simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant (SPK), affording a cure to both Diabetes and Kidney Failure.

According to CDC estimates, of almost 130,000 persons in the US who initiated treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in 2020, nearly 60,000 had Diabetes as the underlying cause of Kidney Failure. Some of these patients would be best suited for SPK Transplants.

“Pancreas Transplants occur most often in conjunction with Kidney Transplants for patients who have Advanced Kidney Disease caused by Diabetes,” said Dr. Javaid. “A simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant will treat a patient’s Kidney Disease, freeing them from Dialysis, as well as the requirement for Blood Sugar monitoring and Insulin – a remarkable improvement in their quality of life.”

Memorial’s Pancreas Transplant Program received approval from UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) in April 2023.

"The launch of the Pancreas Transplant Program is an important milestone for Memorial Transplant Institute and its team of experts who continue to reach new heights for the benefit of their patients and families,” said Peter Powers, CEO of Memorial Regional Hospital, which houses the Institute.

The Pancreas is a large Organ behind the Stomach that produces Insulin to regulate Blood Sugar and helps with Digestion. When it produces little or no Insulin, as is the case with people with Diabetes, the body can’t sustain its Blood Sugar in a normal range. Serious medical complications can occur, including Kidney Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke, and Premature Death.

For more information, please call: (954) 265-7450. Or visit: www.mhs.net/transplant