Organ transplantation, the main purpose of which is to prevent metabolic complications and lesions in the future, is a complicated process, connected with technical difficulties, because the pancreas is transplanted together with the duodenum. And, given the special sensitivity of tissues and high enzymatic activity, there is a high probability of a number of biological problems.
Indications for pancreas transplantation can be various forms of diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, as well as malignant formations.
Immediately during the transplantation procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia, a central incision is made of the patient's abdomen. The donor organ along with the site of its intestine is placed to the right of the bladder. Thanks to the connection with the blood vessels of the recipient, the blood supply of the organ is successfully restored, while the removal of the "native" pancreas is not necessary, because it continues to fulfill its digestive function.
No pancreas: features and consequences
Based on the fact that the main purpose of this body is the synthesis of vital hormones, namely insulin, the importance of the pancreas in the body is difficult to underestimate. Therefore, if it is not available as a result of removal for medical reasons, it is quite logical to expect a "bouquet" of troubles and complications of a different nature. First of all, a person who does not have a pancreas will have to completely change the habitual way of life: observe the hourly diet, take enzymes and regularly make insulin injections. In other words, to assign all the irreplaceable functions of the lost pancreas to itself.
A diet that is necessary for the patient, must necessarily appoint a professional specialist, strictly controlling its compliance. In the absence of an organ, it is recommended to limit the acute and salty, starch and carbohydrates, as well as milk and coffee. Of course, to the minimum you need to reduce fried and sweet. The food should be a fraction, small portions with a sufficient amount of liquid.
How much does the pancreas cost?
Pancreas transplantation is one of the most expensive operations. This is due to the complexity of the procedure and the difficult condition of patients who, in most cases, have to undergo an operation under a deadly threat. Replacement of the organ is done completely, and the duration of the surgical intervention is many hours. Without taking into account the possible costs for the donor body, the complex of all necessary medical procedures costs from 30 to 50 thousand dollars. In addition, before a possible transplantation, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and planned diagnostics.
In addition, the body itself should be taken from a young, healthy donor with a diagnosed brain death. The cost of the body ranges from 100 to 200-odd thousand dollars. It is also necessary to take into account the length of stay in the hospital after a transplant - this is a minimum of 21 days in a hospital.
Artificial pancreas, what news?
At the end of 2014 it became known about the beginning of clinical trials of the artificial pancreas, which is designed specifically for diabetics. It is a small disc with a hydrogel, inside which live organ cells that produce insulin in strictly required quantities, by measuring the level of glucose in the blood. Saturation of cells with oxygen occurs through a special "charger".
The day before, a special device was released that measures the level of glucose in the blood and, if necessary, injects insulin into the body. Based on electronics, it created enough inconvenience, so the specialists of the British University decided to create an improved gadget consisting of an external container and a device implanted in the abdomen. When a glucose jump in the blood, a special gel separating the container from the body tissues acquires a transparent structure, letting in the necessary insulin. At the moment, the device is at the stage of clinical trials, and in the United States, such an artificial pancreas has already been successfully certified.
The artificial pancreas should appear in 2016
According to WAtoday, Australian inventors have completed testing the program "Neuromathix", which will manage the implant and test the most artificial organ. The device will measure sugar in the blood, and as an answer - send the patient the appropriate dose of insulin. Studies confirm that 90% of the time in patients maintained the optimal level of sugar, which can be considered a phenomenal result. The process promises to be as similar to the natural work of the human body, so if the tests are completed as well as they have begun, humanity can approach the solution of the diabetes problem as closely as possible. The artificial pancreas should go on sale already in 2016.