To perform the transplant, surgeons insert a catheter into the patient's abdomen and thread it into the portal vein, which carries blood to the liver. About a teaspoonful of islet cells are injected through the catheter. The cells disperse throughout the liver. Unlike other transplant procedures, islet cell transplant is done on an outpatient basis. The patient is alert throughout the procedure but does receive local anesthesia to numb the skin where the catheter will be inserted.
Most patients stay in the recovery area for a few hours but are able to go home the same day.
Because there is no incision and no general anesthesia, the recovery time is generally quite short. Most patients find they are able to resume normal activities with 1 to 2 weeks. However, frequent visits to the transplant team to monitor function of the liver and islet cells is necessary for the first 6 months after surgery. More Information We encourage you to learn more about this new procedure by contacting the Northwestern Memorial transplant team at 312.695.0828 . We will be happy to discuss this new procedure with you and to help you determine whether islet cell transplant is right for you.