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NHS Lothian Performs Scotland�s 100th Pancreas Transplant

NHS Lothian

13/05/2008

Region : Edinburgh/Lothian

SURGEONS at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh have carried out Scotland’s 100th pancreas transplant operation.

Stephen Proctor, 43, became the 100th patient to undergo the surgery at the start of April.

The Transplant Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is the only centre in Scotland to offer the pancreas transplant operation, and has carried out 100 operations since the programme started in April 2000.

Mr Proctor, of Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, was referred to the Transplant Unit in Edinburgh by his Consultant, Dr Hardy at Daisyhill Hospital, Newry, because pancreas transplants are not carried out at any hospitals in Northern Ireland.

On April 10 he received a pancreas and kidney double transplant, becoming the 100th patient to receive the pancreas operation.

Pancreas transplants are usually combined with kidney transplants for people with Type 1 diabetes and established renal failure.

The combined transplant removes the need for insulin injections and dialysis.

Mr Proctor has been diabetic since the age of 10, and suffered chronic renal failure five years ago.

In 2005 he started Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), before being referred for a pancreas and kidney transplant at the beginning of this year.

Due to being the patient with his blood type currently on the list, Mr Proctor waited only three days after being put onto the transplant list for Scotland to receive his two new organs.

Now, several weeks on from having the operation, Mr Proctor has returned home and is recovering well.

He said: “I have got a lot more energy and it is brilliant not having to take insulin any longer.

“The staff in the Transplant Unit have been fantastic and every question I have asked has been answered. I can’t thank them enough for the work they have done.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the donor and I would like to thank them for donating the organs which allowed me to undergo my transplant.

“I would urge people to join the Organ Donor Register and to carry a Donor Card. Donating your organs could save someone else’s life.”

John Forsythe, Director of the Transplant Unit, said:

"This is a significant milestone for pancreas transplantation in Scotland. Not long ago pancreas transplant was carried out sporadically across the UK. Now it is a very well established treatment for diabetic patients who have kidney failure and who are suitable for this form of transplant.

“We are delighted that Stephen has recovered so well and is able to go back home to enjoy the success of his transplant procedure. I know that he, like the rest of us is very keen to acknowledge the gift of the donor who made this transplant possible.”

Ends

Issued: 13.05.08

Aileen Cowden

Communications Officer

NHS Lothian

0131 536 9315

Notes to editors:

For pictures of Mr Proctor or to arrange an interview please contact NHS Lothian Communications team on 0131 536 9315. Diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure and occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough, or any, insulin. Insulin is responsible for the absorption of glucose (sugars) into the cells to give them energy and into the liver and fat cells for storage. There are two main types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 usually occurs in people under 30. It develops rapidly, destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and people with the condition have to inject insulin to control their blood glucose levels. Those with Type 1 diabetes are most likely to need a transplant. The pancreas is the organ that contains insulin-secreting cells and its loss causes type 1 diabetes. Transplantation of the pancreas involves a major operation. Pancreas transplants like other organ transplants involve transfer of foreign tissue, which would undergo rejection in normal circumstances. It is therefore necessary to use medication to suppress the immune system in order to prevent the rejection of the transplanted organs. Because the pancreas performs functions necessary in the digestion process, the recipient's native pancreas is left in place, and the donated pancreas attached in a different location. In the event of rejection of the new pancreas, the recipient could not survive without the native pancreas still in place.

Contact: Aileen Cowden
Phone: 0131 536 9315
Email: aileen.cowden@nhs.net
Website: http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

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