Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplant in India
Also known as Pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation, whole organ pancreas transplant, pancreatic islet transplant, SPK (simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant)
The short answer
Pancreas or islet cell transplant in India costs USD 25,000–45,000, including surgery, hospital stay, and immediate post-transplant care. Whole organ pancreas transplant is major surgery requiring 2-3 weeks of hospitalization, often combined with a kidney transplant for patients with Type 1 diabetes and kidney failure; islet cell transplant is a less invasive, infusion-based alternative available at select centers.
About Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplant
Pancreas transplantation replaces a non-functioning pancreas with a healthy donor organ, restoring the body's ability to produce insulin naturally. It is most often performed for patients with Type 1 diabetes, frequently combined with a kidney transplant (SPK) when kidney failure is also present. Islet cell transplantation is a less invasive alternative in which insulin-producing islet cells are extracted from a donor pancreas and infused into the patient's liver via a catheter, avoiding major surgery.
Who it is for
Recommended for patients with Type 1 diabetes experiencing severe hypoglycemia unawareness, brittle glucose control despite optimal insulin therapy, or diabetic kidney failure requiring a combined pancreas-kidney transplant.
What happens during treatment
A multidisciplinary transplant team evaluates donor-recipient compatibility, performs the transplant surgery or islet infusion, and manages lifelong immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection. Recovery includes close monitoring of blood glucose, kidney function (if applicable), and signs of rejection.
Why patients choose India for this
High-volume transplant programs with multidisciplinary teams experienced in pancreas and combined pancreas-kidney surgery
Structured immunosuppression protocols, infection monitoring, and rejection surveillance included in the care pathway
Total cost including surgery and hospital stay is a fraction of equivalent transplant programs in the US or UK
Streamlined evaluation and donor-matching processes compared to long waitlists in some Western transplant systems
Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplant cost
| Country | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| India — with Nobel Medi Assistance | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| United States | $150,000 - $300,000 |
| United Kingdom | £80,000 - £120,000 |
| UAE | $100,000 - $150,000 |
Figures are indicative for international patients and depend on the hospital, the surgeon and your reports. Your exact cost is confirmed in writing after a specialist review — free, and with no obligation.
What the estimate covers
Included
- Pre-transplant evaluation and compatibility testing
- Transplant surgery (or islet infusion) and surgical team fees
- Hospital stay including ICU care
- Initial immunosuppressive medication
- Post-operative monitoring during hospital stay
Not included
- Donor organ/islet sourcing costs (where applicable, subject to local transplant regulations)
- Long-term immunosuppressive medication after discharge
- Travel and accommodation
- Extended follow-up visits and lab monitoring after return home
- Treatment for any post-transplant complications
How Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplant is done
- Evaluation and workupTransplant team assesses diabetes severity, kidney function, cardiovascular health, and donor compatibility
- Donor matchingSuitable donor organ or islet cells identified based on blood type and tissue compatibility
- Transplant surgery or infusionPancreas surgically implanted (with or without simultaneous kidney transplant), or islet cells infused into the liver via catheter
- Immediate post-operative careClose ICU/ward monitoring of blood glucose, graft function, and early signs of rejection
- Immunosuppression initiationMedication regimen started to prevent organ rejection, with dosing adjusted based on response
Recovery and what to expect
- First 48-72 hoursICU monitoring, blood glucose stabilization, pain management
- Week 1-2Gradual mobilization, immunosuppression titration, monitoring for rejection or infection
- Week 3-4Discharge planning, patient education on lifelong medication and diet
- Month 2-3Return-home follow-up, regular blood tests to monitor graft function and drug levels
Specialists who perform this
Where it is done
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pancreas transplant and islet cell transplant?
Will I still need insulin after a pancreas transplant?
Why is pancreas transplant often combined with kidney transplant?
How long will I need to take immunosuppressive medication?
What are the risks of pancreas transplant?
How is a donor pancreas or islet cells sourced?
How soon can I return home after the transplant?
Is islet cell transplant widely available in India?
What would your Pancreas or Islet Cell Transplant cost?
Send your reports and a senior specialist sends back a written plan with costs within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.