Autotransplantation of pancreatic islets. A single-center first experience.

Introduction: Islets auto-transplantation (IAT) is a well-known procedure that may improve glycemic control after total or completion pancreatectomy compared to insulin therapy alone.

Case Report: We herein report our experience in IAT with the case of a sixty years old woman underwent completion pancreatectomy for recurrent pancreatitis. She received IAT by percutaneous trans-hepatic intra-portal injection. The patient recovered well, except for a surgical wound infection that was treated with vacuum therapy. She was discharged on p.o.d. 27th in good general conditions and tolerating a diet.

Discussion: Data in literature demonstrate that IAT is cost-effective on the long-run compared to insulin therapy in patients with diabetes. 30-days mortality rate for islets auto-transplantation (IAT) following total pancreatectomy is 5%, which is comparable with previous reports on total pancreatectomy without IAT. Our report may expand the literature on this procedure in order to further develop and improve both technique and outcomes, and clarify the correct indication to surgery.

Key Words: Auto-transplantation, Chronic pancreatitis, IAT, Pancreatic islets, Total pancreatectomy.