Waiting for a Match for Pancreas Transplant

Once the evaluation is completed, your case is presented at NYUMC’s weekly transplant intake conference. If the transplant team agrees that the tests are in order, you are then placed on the waiting list.

Many variables play a role in determining how long you will wait for a transplant:

• The type of transplant you need
• Your blood type
• Your height and weight
• Your tissue type

There is a separate waiting list for kidney/pancreas patients in the New York Region, and although the waiting time in our region is variable, the wait is generally about a year.

We will do our best to estimate your waiting time and work closely with you during the waiting period to make sure you stay as healthy as possible. Your primary referring physician will closely monitor your status and confer with our Transplant Team as necessary. We will also periodically ask you to make an appointment with the transplant clinic.

During the waiting period, it is important that you keep your transplant coordinator aware of any changes in your medical condition. If you are hospitalized for any reason your transplant team should be notified.

Keep in Touch

Once you are approved for a transplant, please provide us with a complete listing of information for you and your immediate contact. It is important that you or your contact is easily accessible at all times. We encourage the use of a cell phone or beeper.

It is equally important that we have accurate information about how to reach you when an organ becomes available. Any changes or updates to your information should be immediately communicated to your transplant coordinator. If you decide to travel during your waiting period, you must provide your transplant coordinator the dates you will be away and all of the information we would need to reach you during your travels.

Be Prepared

Travel plans for getting to the hospital once an organ is available should be made in advance. Regardless of whether you live within a few blocks of the Medical Center or hours away, you should know:

• How you are going to get to the Medical Center (train schedules, plane schedules, designated driver, etc.)
• How you are going to pay for transportation
• Who will accompany you and how to reach them quickly

If you need assistance making arrangements, please ask your social worker for guidance.