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Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is a specialized medical procedure aimed at treating individuals with type I diabetes who experience significant challenges in managing their blood sugar levels through insulin therapy alone. This procedure involves the extraction of islet cells, which are clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. These cells, known as the Islets of Langerhans, are carefully harvested from a donor pancreas and subsequently purified in a laboratory setting. Once prepared, the islet cells are injected into the patient's liver via the portal vein. This method allows the islet cells to integrate into the liver tissue, where they can potentially resume their function of insulin production, provided that the conditions within the liver remain conducive to their survival and activity. The transplantation can be performed using various techniques, including a minimally invasive percutaneous approach, an open surgical dissection to access the portal vein, or a laparoscopic method. While the procedure is generally associated with a low risk of complications, it is important to note that a single infusion of islet cells may not be sufficient for the patient to achieve independence from insulin therapy, and multiple transplant infusions may be necessary to optimize outcomes.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of pancreatic islet cell transplantation is indicated for patients with type I diabetes who have difficulty achieving stable blood sugar control through conventional insulin therapy. This includes individuals who experience severe hypoglycemic episodes, significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels, or other complications related to diabetes management. The goal of the transplantation is to restore the patient's ability to produce insulin, thereby improving glycemic control and reducing the risks associated with diabetes.
The procedure for pancreatic islet cell transplantation involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transfer of islet cells into the patient's liver. First, the donor pancreas is procured, and the islet cells are isolated from the surrounding pancreatic tissue. This isolation process is performed in a laboratory setting, where the islet cells are purified to remove any non-islet tissue and ensure that only viable islet cells are used for transplantation. Once the islet cells are prepared, the next step involves accessing the portal vein, which can be done through various surgical techniques. In the open dissection approach, the surgeon makes an incision to directly access the portal vein, allowing for the precise injection of the islet cells into the bloodstream. Alternatively, a laparoscopic technique may be employed, which involves smaller incisions and the use of specialized instruments to guide the islet cells into the portal vein. In some cases, a percutaneous approach may be utilized, where the islet cells are injected through the skin into the portal vein using imaging guidance. After the islet cells are infused, they migrate to the liver, where they can begin to function and produce insulin, contingent upon the appropriate conditions being maintained within the liver environment.
Following the pancreatic islet cell transplantation, patients are typically monitored closely for any immediate complications and to assess the function of the transplanted islet cells. Post-procedure care may include the administration of immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells, as well as regular monitoring of blood glucose levels to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. Patients may experience a period of recovery during which they are advised to follow specific dietary and lifestyle modifications to support the health of the transplanted islet cells. It is important to note that achieving insulin independence may require multiple transplant infusions, and ongoing follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to manage diabetes effectively and address any potential complications that may arise.
| Short Descr | OPEN ISLET TRANSPLANT | Medium Descr | PNCRTC ISLET CELL TRNSPLJ PORTAL OPN | Long Descr | Pancreatic islet cell transplantation through portal vein, open | Status Code | Not Valid for Medicare Purposes | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Discontinued Code | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures |
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| 2012-01-01 | Deleted | Code deleted, see 48999 |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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