Nursing care of the pancreas transplant recipient.

Pancreas transplantation has been successful for restoring euglycemia in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The transplantation may be performed as a single procedure, or it may follow or be performed simultaneous with kidney transplantation. This article discusses potential consequences of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and indications, alternatives, and contraindications for transplantation. The author also describes postoperative nursing care and potential complications including surgical and immunologic. Potential outcomes of pancreas transplantation can include survival benefit, physiologic improvement, and enhanced quality of life.