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Simultaneous Pancreas and Dual Kidney Transplantation from a Standard Criteria Donor: First Report From Korea

  • 0Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea; Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
Transplantation Proceedings +

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August 12, 2025

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August 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This case report details a successful simultaneous pancreas and dual kidney transplant in one patient due to donor organ scarcity and recipient availability issues. The procedure demonstrated technical feasibility and favorable graft function long-term.

Area Of Science

  • Transplantation immunology
  • Surgical innovation
  • Organ preservation

Background

  • Organ shortage is a critical global issue impacting transplantation success rates.
  • Long waiting times for kidney and simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants are prevalent, particularly in Korea.
  • Standard allocation protocols aim to maximize graft utilization but face challenges in rare circumstances.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To report a unique case of simultaneous pancreas and dual kidney transplantation in a single recipient.
  • To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of this complex procedure.
  • To highlight potential solutions for organ scarcity and recipient unavailability.

Main Methods

  • A 46-year-old male with type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease received a pancreas and two kidneys from a single donor.
  • Due to recipient unavailability and time constraints, a simultaneous pancreas and dual kidney transplant was performed.
  • Surgical techniques included ipsilateral pancreas and kidney transplantation and retroperitoneal transplantation of the second kidney.

Main Results

  • All transplanted organs (pancreas and two kidneys) demonstrated favorable function postoperatively.
  • The patient experienced a pancreatic fistula requiring surgical repair.
  • At 18-month follow-up, all grafts remained functional, with the patient developing polycythemia.
  • The donor was anti-HBV core antibody positive, and one potential kidney recipient tested positive for COVID-19.

Conclusions

  • Simultaneous pancreas and dual kidney transplantation is technically feasible and clinically acceptable under exceptional circumstances.
  • This approach can be a viable option to address organ scarcity and maximize graft utilization.
  • Careful patient selection and surgical expertise are crucial for successful outcomes in such complex cases.