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Reviewed by

Dr. Vishwanath S

HOD & Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician

Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road

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What Is A Dual Organ Transplant? When Do You Need A Dual Organ Transplant?

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A combined or dual organ transplant is a viable option for those who have suffered multiple organ failures wherein the patient will receive two organs simultaneously during one surgical procedure. A dual organ transplant may usually include a combined liver and kidney transplant or a pancreas and kidney transplant. Whether a liver and kidney transplant or a pancreas and kidney transplant, both organs must be replaced when they fail to function properly. The most common type of dual organ transplant is a kidney-pancreas transplant, which is performed on patients with type 1 diabetes who also have end-stage renal/kidney failure.

When Do You Need Dual Organ Transplant?

When you suffer from end-stage diseases like kidney failure and liver failure associated with comorbidities such as diabetes, congenital defects, autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or long-term damage from substance abuse, you may have to undergo dual organ transplantation. Some patients may have a genetic predisposition to develop multiple organ failure, while others may experience organ damage as a result of an accident or injury. Patients undergo liver and kidney transplants because their liver and kidney fail to function. Those who have to undergo pancreas and kidney transplantation have kidney failure and suffer from insulin resistance (diabetes) simultaneously. Liver and kidney transplantation is recommended in case of Chronic Kidney Disease and defects in the liver at the same time.

Visit a top multispecialty hospital if you or your loved one needs a dual organ transplant in Old Airport Road.

What to Expect from Dual Organ Transplant?

There are many advantages of dual organ transplants. Some of these are:

Two Organ Transplants Simultaneously

One of the significant benefits of a dual organ transplant is that you receive two organs simultaneously and do not need to undergo two surgeries separately.

Less Suffering

Undergoing surgery may drain a patient. When two organs are transplanted in one surgery, the patient is relieved from undergoing two surgeries. Thus, a dual organ transplant helps the patient avoid additional surgeries and recover faster.

Long-Term Outcomes

For patients with end-stage organ diseases, a dual organ transplant can greatly improve their quality of life and increase their life expectancy.

Steps Involved in Dual Organ Transplant

There are different steps involved in the transplantation of various organs.

Kidney and Liver Transplant

To perform kidney and liver transplants together, the patient has to undergo a series of tests and evaluations such as a comprehensive medical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging studies, to determine if they are healthy enough to undergo the transplantation surgery. The liver and kidneys are often received from a deceased donor. The size of the liver must exceed 2% of the recipient's body weight. After the liver implantation, the single kidney is implanted into the right or left of the liver transplantation.

The liver will be transplanted in the following procedure:

The doctor will make an incision in your abdomen.
Blood vessels will be separated from your diseased liver.
The diseased liver will be replaced with a healthy liver.
The blood vessels will be reconnected.
The incision will be closed and the patient will be moved to the recovery room.

To transplant a kidney, the doctor will follow the procedure mentioned below:

The surgeon will place your kidney in the area of the lower abdomen. The new kidney is placed under the existing kidney. The existing kidney is removed if the doctor finds it is cancerous or leads to increased blood pressure.

Kidney and Pancreas Transplant

A simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant is required when a patient suffers from kidney failure and diabetes and needs a very high insulin dose to control diabetes. Once the doctor confirms that you require a kidney and pancreas transplant through a complete medical assessment, blood tests, imaging tests, etc., you will wait for a donor kidney and pancreas. The doctor will test the compatibility when the donor's kidney and pancreas are available.

During the procedure, the surgeon will place the new kidney below the left side of the abdomen and connects the blood vessels to the kidney. The vein and artery are then connected to the new kidney, and the ureter of the new kidney is also connected to your bladder. After that, the new pancreas is placed below the right side of the abdomen and connects the blood vessels. The kidney and pancreas combined surgery take almost 5 to 7 hours and you may have to stay in the hospital for up to 2 weeks.

The surgeon will monitor your condition for the next few days after the surgery, whether it is a combined liver and kidney transplant or a kidney and pancreas transplant. If everything is found normal, you will be discharged from the hospital with a post-transplant care module, which includes regular check-ups and monitoring of the function of the new organs. By following these guidelines and taking immunosuppressant medications as prescribed, patients can help ensure the long-term success of their dual organ transplant.

Risks Involved in Dual Transplants

Risks in dual organ transplants depend on the health of the patients. Since your surgeon will monitor your entire health, there is less chance of risk during the surgery. In rare cases, a patient undergoing dual transplant surgery may suffer bleeding, pain, and other infections.
Currently, dual organ transplant has emerged as an effective way for those who have suffered an acute disease. This transplant procedure is recommended when there is no other option left. The organs are received normally from a deceased patient, and you will be on a waiting list until the organs are available.

Consult a nephrologist in Old Airport Road if you require dual organ transplant services.