Free—draining intraperitoneal pancreatic segmental autografting in canine

Summary

In this study we attempt to define the result of pancreas transplantation with the duct left open to drain freely into the peritoneal cavity. Twenty dogs underwent total pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and segmental pancreas transplantation with this technique. Eighteen of the twenty animals recovered normal blood sugar and serum insulin levels 24 hrs after operation. Up to date, the longest survival time is 5 months with excellent pancreatic function. Pancreatic biopsies obtained from animals 45 days after transplantation showed that the islet cells were normal, the acinar tissue was normal on the whole and interlobular connective tissue showed slight proliferation.

In this report we advocate creation of an arteriovenous fistula between the splenic artery and vein at the tail of the graft in order to markedly reduce the incidences of thrombosis in the graft vessels and hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Our study concludes that segmental pancreas transplantation with unligated duct is a better approach to transplantation of pancreas. This technique is recommended for clinical application.