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To determine if islet autotransplantation (IAT) independently improves the quality of life (QoL) in patients after total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT).TP-IAT is increasingly being used for intractable chronic pancreatitis. However, the impact of IAT on long-term islet function and QoL is unclear.TP-IAT patients at our center1 year after TP-IAT with ≥1 Short Form-36 QoL measure were included. Patients were classified as insulin-independent or insulin-dependent, and as having islet graft function or failure by C-peptide. The associations of insulin use and islet graft function with QoL measures were analyzed by using a linear mixed model, accounting for time since transplant and within-person correlation.Among 817 islet autograft recipients, 564 patients [median (interquartile range) age: 34 (20, 45) years, 71% female] and 2161 total QoL surveys were included. QoL data were available for5 years after TP-IAT for 42.7% and for10 years for 17.3%. Insulin-independent patients exhibited higher QoL in 7 of 8 subscale domains and for Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores ( P0.05 for all). Physical Component Summary was 2.91 (SE=0.57) higher in insulin-independent patients ( P0.001). No differences in QoL were observed between those with and without graft function, but islet graft failure was rare (15% of patients). However, glycosylated hemoglobin was much higher with islet graft failure.QoL is significantly improved when insulin independence is present, and glycosylated hemoglobin is lower with a functioning islet graft. These data support offering IAT, rather than just performing total pancreatectomy and treating with exogenous insulin.

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation is performed to treat chronic pancreatitis in children. Successful islet isolation must address the challenges of severe pancreatic fibrosis and young donor age. We have progressively introduced modifications to optimize enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of the pancreas during islet isolation. We evaluated 2 islet isolation metrics in 138 children-digest islet equivalents per gram pancreas tissue (IEQ/g) and digest IEQ per kilogram body weight (IEQ/kg), using multiple regression to adjust for key disease and patient features. Islet yield at digest had an average 4569 (standard deviation 2949) islet equivalent (IEQ)/g and 4946 (4009) IEQ/kg, with 59.1% embedded in exocrine tissue. Cases with very low yield (

Background A total pancreatectomy and intraportal islet cell autotransplant (TPIAT) is increasingly being offered to patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). The benefits include removal of the root cause of pain and amelioration of diabetes. However, the long-term durability of this operation remains unclear. Study Design Of the 742 patients who have undergone a TPIAT at our center, 215 who did so between 1998 and 2008 now have at least 10 years of follow-up time and were eligible for this single-center observational study. Our outcomes measures included abdominal pain relief, narcotic use, islet graft function (subdivided into 3 groups: insulin independence; partial graft function, defined by C-peptide level > 0.6 mg/dL; and no function, defined by C-peptide level Results The 10-year actuarial survival rate was 72%. A BMI > 30 kg/m2 (p = 0.04) predicted 10-year mortality. The rates of pain relief were 82% at 10 years and 90% at 15 years. Narcotic use declined with time: the rates were 50% at 5 years and 37% at 10 years. At 10 years, the rate of insulin independence was 20%; the rate of partial graft function, 32%. Transplantation of islet equivalents/kg > 4,000 was the strongest predictor of islet graft function at 10 years. Pediatric patients were more likely to have islet function than adults (p = 0.01). Health-related quality of life continued to improve at 10 years, even in patients on narcotics. Conclusions This represents the first and largest series to examine long-term outcomes (10 years or more) in TPIAT patients. In our series, this dual procedure produced durable pain relief and sustained islet graft function, even past 10 years postoperatively.

An understanding of long-term outcomes for kidney transplant(KTx) recipients who survive with graft function beyond a specific time posttransplant is the first step in creating protocols to optimize care for current and improve outcomes for future recipients. We studied 831KTx recipients-580 living donor(LD); 251 deceased donor(DD)—with graft survival(GS) >20 years. For primary LD recipients, 25-year patient survival(PS) was 83%; 35-year, 59%. Their 25-year death-censored graft survival(DCGS) was 89%; 35-year, 72%. DD recipients had lower PS(P 3 antigens, pretransplant type 1 diabetes mellitus(DM1); in CNI era, a history of rejection, female gender. New comorbidities after 20 years were common: CVD(13%, non-DM1;18%, DM1), infections(27%, non-DM1;37%, DM1), 20-29 years posttransplant. Cancer after 20 years included: nonmelanotic skin cancer,22%; solid organ,7%; post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease(PTLD),2%. To improve long-term outcomes, clinical trials on prevention, recognition, and treatment of new comorbidities are needed.

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On December 20, 1893, 3 years after von Mering and Minkowski showed that total pancreatectomy in dogs resulted in diabetes mellitus,1 Dr. P. Watson Williams in Bristol, England, grafted three fragments of a pancreas obtained from a freshly slaughtered sheep into the subcutaneous tissue of a 15-year-old boy in extremis, 5 months after clinical onset of diabetes.2 The recipient died 3 days later, not of complications from the unsuccessful transplant but of unrelenting acidosis, a sequela of basically untreated diabetes. At autopsy, the recipient’s own pancreas was shriveled and sections showed little but fibrous stroma. According to Williams, the history and the postmortem examination left little doubt that the patient had “pancreatic diabetes” a case that “presented all the conditions that might lead one to hope for beneficial results from successful grafting of the pancreas, if anything can be hoped for in this direction at all.” He was not discouraged, and further stated that “failure was possibly due to obtaining the graft from a sheep that had been killed by bleeding....If ever I felt justified again in resorting to pancreatic grafts in a similar case, I should obtain them from a living animal anesthetized or dispense with the anesthetic altogether.”

OBJECTIVES Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an infrequent but debilitating complication associated with CFTR mutations. Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a treatment option for CP that provides pain relief and preserves β-cell mass, thereby minimizing the complication of diabetes mellitus. We compared outcomes after TPIAT for CP associated with CFTR mutations to CP without CTFR mutations. METHODS All TPIATs performed between 2002 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed: identifying 20 CFTR homozygotes (cystic fibrosis [CF] patients), 19 CFTR heterozygotes, and 20 age-/sex-matched controls without CFTR mutations. Analysis of variance and χ tests were used to compare groups. RESULTS Baseline demographics were not different between groups. Postoperative glycosylated hemoglobin and C-peptide levels were similar between groups, as were islet yield and rate of postoperative complications. At 1 year, 40% of CF patients, 22% of CFTR heterozygotes, and 35% of control patients were insulin independent. CONCLUSION Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation is a safe, effective treatment option for CF patients with CP, giving similar outcomes for those with other CP etiologies.

In this study, our goal was to analyze nearly 4 decades of experience since the first living donor pancreas transplant in 1979, focusing on what constitutes optimal donor selection and ideal post donation follow-up. When combined with a living donor kidney transplant, a living donor pancreas transplant offers patients with concurrent renal failure and diabetes the option of a single procedure: a living donor simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant. Living donor SPK transplants not only can reduce the waiting time in areas where it is long but also, for highly sensitized patients, can electively identify a donor with a negative crossmatch. Although living donor pancreas (and simultaneous pancreas-kidney) transplants were initially performed open, they evolved to laparoscopic procedures in 1999. The technical failure rates have improved over the years. Guidelines for reducing donor morbidity have incorporated the use of biochemical markers and stricter donor selection criteria. Predonation assessment of donors’ beta-cell mass may help identify those at risk of developing diabetes. Living donor pancreas transplants can be performed safely and with good outcomes; they remain an important option for highly sensitized transplant candidates and can reduce waiting time in areas where it is long. For donors, stringent selection criteria, robust predonation counseling, and meticulous postdonation follow-up are essential.

Objectives:Fear of diabetes and major surgery may prohibit referral of young children severely affected by pancreatitis for total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant (TPIAT). We evaluated outcomes in our youngest TPIAT recipients, 3 to 8 years of age at surgery.Methods:Medical records w

Background & Aims Therapeutic options are limited for patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis who have intractable symptoms despite maximal endoscopic and medical treatment, but equivocal or no morphologic or functional evidence of chronic pancreatitis. We performed a prospective observational cohort study to determine the efficacy of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for these patients. Methods We collected data from all patients undergoing TPIAT at the University of Minnesota from 2007 through 2013; 49 patients (42 female; mean age, 32.8 ± 7.8 years) had a diagnosis of recurrent acute pancreatitis not provoked by intervention, with negative or equivocal findings from nondiagnostic imaging or pancreatic function tests for chronic pancreatitis, and intractable pain between episodes. Data on insulin use, narcotic requirements, pain scores, and health-related quality of life were collected before TPIAT; 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year afterward; and then yearly. Results All 49 patients studied required narcotics before TPIAT (45 daily users and 4 intermittent users); 2 had insulin-treated diabetes. At 1 year after TPIAT, 22 out of 48 patients (46%) reported no use of narcotic pain medications ( P P P = .019 for the mental component summary). At 1 year after TPIAT, 21 out of 48 patients (45%) were insulin independent; their mean percent glycosylated hemoglobin A 1c at 1 year after TPIAT was 6.0% ± 0.9% (5.2% ± 0.6% pre-TPIAT). Conclusions Patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis but lacking clear chronic pancreatitis benefit from TPIAT, with outcomes similar to those previously described for patients with chronic pancreatitis (improved quality of life and reduced narcotic use). For these patients who have otherwise limited surgical treatment options, TPIAT can be considered when medical and endoscopic therapies have failed.

To enhance selection of appropriate deceased donors for pancreas transplants, we sought to determine whether HLA matching improved posttransplantation outcomes. In this single-center study of 1219 pancreas transplants, we correlated posttransplantation outcomes with HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, and -DQ matches and mismatches. Rejection was linearly correlated with the number of mismatches. The individual number of HLA mismatches reached significance at four or more with a 2.3- to 2.9-fold increase in rejection. The effect was most predominant with HLA-B (1.8-fold with one mismatch and 2.0-fold with two mismatches) and -DR (1.9-fold with two mismatches) loci, whereas HLA-A, -C, and -DQ matches or mismatches did not independently predict acute rejection. The affect was strongest in solitary pancreas transplants, with little impact for simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK). In contrast, HLA matching did not affect graft or patient survival rates but was associated with a reduced risk of opportunistic infection. Avoidance of acute rejection saved an estimated $32 000 for solitary pancreas recipients and $52 000 for SPK recipients in hospital costs. Our data do not support the use of HLA matching for predicting pancreas graft survival but do support its significance for the reduction of acute rejection, particularly for solitary pancreas recipients.

Background/Objectives Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant (TP-IAT) is a potential treatment for children with severe refractory chronic pancreatitis. Cultures from the resected pancreas and final islet preparation are frequently positive for microbes. It is unknown whether positive cultures are associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric patients. Methods We reviewed the medical records of children (n = 86) who underwent TP-IAT from May 2006–March 2015 with emphasis on demographics, previous pancreatic interventions, culture results, islet yield, hospital days, posttransplant islet function, and posttransplant infections. We compared outcomes in patients with positive (n = 57) and negative (n = 29) cultures. Results Patients with positive cultures had higher rates of previous pancreas surgery ( P = 0.007) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( P P = 1.00) or prolonged hospital length of stay ( P = 0.29). Patients with positive final islet preparation culture showed increased rates of graft failure at 2 years posttransplant ( P = 0.041), but not when adjusted for islet mass transplanted ( P = 0.39). Conclusions Positive cultures during pediatric TP-IATs do not increase the risk of posttransplant infections or prolong hospital length of stay. Endocrine function depends on islet mass transplanted.

The development of minimally invasive surgical approaches to donor nephrectomy (DN) has been driven by the potential advantages for the donor, with questions remaining about long-term outcomes.All living DN performed from June 1963 through December 2014 at the University of Minnesota were reviewed. Outcomes were compared among 4 DN techniques.We performed 4286 DNs: 2759 open DN (ODNs), 1190 hand-assisted (HA) laparoscopic DNs (LDNs), 203 pure LDN (P-LDNs), and 97 robot-assisted-LDN. Laparoscopic DN was associated with an older (P0.001) and heavier (P0.001) donor population. Laparoscopic DN was associated with a higher probability of left kidney procurement (P0.001). All 3 LDN modalities required a longer operative time (P0.001); robot-assisted-LDN took significantly longer than HA-LDN or P-LDN. Laparoscopic DN decreased the need for intraoperative blood transfusion (P0.001) and reduced the incidence of intraoperative complications (P0.001) and hospital length of stay (P0.001). However, LDN led to a significantly higher rate of readmissions, both short-term (30 day, P0.001) and long-term (30 day, P0.001). Undergoing HA-LDN was associated with a higher rate of an incisional hernia compared with all other modalities (P0.001). For recipients, LDN seemed to be associated with lower rates of graft failure at 1 year compared with ODN (P = 0.002). The odds of delayed graft function increased for kidneys with multiple arteries procured via P-LDN compared with HA-LDN (OR 3 [1,10]) and ODN (OR 5 [2, 15]).In our experience, LDN was associated with decreased donor intraoperative complications and hospital length of stay but higher rates of readmission and long-term complications.

Background Living donor segmental pancreas transplants (LDSPTx) have been performed selectively to offer a preemptive transplant option for simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients and to perform a single operation decreasing the cost of pancreas after kidney transplant. For solitary pancreas transplants, this option historically provided a better immunologic match. Although short-term donor outcomes have been documented, there are no long-term studies. Methods We studied postdonation outcomes in 46 segmental pancreas living donors. Surgical complications, risk factors (RF) for development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and quality of life were studied. A risk stratification model (RSM) for DM was created using predonation and postdonation RFs. Recipient outcomes were analyzed. Results Between January 1, 1994 and May 1, 2013, 46 LDSPTx were performed. Intraoperatively, 5 (11%) donors received transfusion. Overall, 9 (20%) donors underwent splenectomy. Postoperative complications included: 6 (13%) peripancreatic fluid collections and 2 (4%) pancreatitis episodes. Postdonation, DM requiring oral hypoglycemics was diagnosed in 7 (15%) donors and insulin-dependent DM in 5 (11%) donors. RSM with three predonation RFs (oral glucose tolerance test, basal insulin, fasting plasma glucose) and 1 postdonation RF, greater than 15% increase in body mass index from preoperative (Δ body mass index >15), predicted 12 (100%) donors that developed postdonation DM. Quality of life was not significantly affected by donation. Mean graft survival was 9.5 (±4.4) years from donors without and 9.6 (±5.4) years from donors with postdonation DM. Conclusions LDSPTx can be performed with good recipient outcomes. The donation is associated with donor morbidity including impaired glucose control. Donor morbidity can be minimized by using RSM and predonation counseling on life style modifications postdonation.

In this article, we will review the changes that have occurred in islet transplantation at the birth of Pancreas 30 years ago. The first attempts at β-cell replacement in humans, pancreas and islet transplantation, were performed in the 1960s and 1970s. Although pancreas transplantation has been an accepted treatment for severe labile diabetes predating the emergence of the journal, allogeneic islet transplantation remains experimental. Current investigations within islet transplantation focus to improve islet function after transplantation. Improving islet viability during isolation, exploring ways to increase engraftment, and protection from the host immune system are some of the goals of these investigative efforts. The major barriers to clinical islet transplantation are shortage of human pancreas, the need for immunosuppression, and the inadequacy of the islet isolation process. It is generally accepted that islet encapsulation is an immunoisolation tool with good potential to address the first 2 of those barriers. We have therefore devoted a major part of this review to the critical factors needed to make it a clinical reality. With improved islet isolation techniques and determination of the best site of engraftment as well as improved encapsulation techniques, we hope that islet transplantation could someday achieve routine clinical use.

Total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplant (TPIAT) is a definitive therapeutic approach to pain management for patients with chronic pancreatitis that is non-responsive to maximum medical management. Total pancreatectomy (TP) results in brittle diabetes unless islet cell autotransplant (IAT) is concomitantly performed. Even with IAT, about 30 % of patients will require long-term basal-bolus insulin therapy due to significant endocrine insufficiency. The focus of this review is on the utility of whole organ pancreas transplantation toward improving quality of life, and decreasing the risk of mortality and overall cost of care for the subset of patients who experience endocrine and exocrine deficiency after pancreatic resection.

Pancreas retransplantation is associated with increased rates of technical failure and rejection compared to other organ transplants. As such, it is not routinely done, and outcomes are mostly known through registry data. Here we analyze the outcomes of primary versus retransplant for all pancreas transplants done in our program over nearly 35 years.Donor and recipient characteristics and outcomes data were prospectively gathered and recorded in our institutional database. Outcomes of primary and retransplants were reported overall, and then subgrouped by number (second, third, fourth). An in-depth analysis of transplants done after 2003 was included. Rates of technical failure, 1 year acute rejection, graft survival, and patient survival were compared.Two thousand one hundred forty-five pancreas transplants were performed at our institution between 1978 and 2012. Four hundred fifteen of these were retransplants. Improvements were seen in technical failure rates and graft survival for both primary and retransplants over time. There were no significant differences in technical failure or patient survival for primary versus retransplants overall, or by transplant number (second, third, fourth). Modern era retransplants had more acute rejection in the first year after transplantation. Retransplants (vs primary) had decreased mid-term death censored graft survival. Transplant type continues to be an important driver of outcome.Retransplant outcomes have improved over time, yet increased rejection and immunologic graft loss rates remain associated with pancreas retransplantation. In contrast, risk of technical failure and patient death for primary versus retransplants are similar. Therefore, pancreas retransplantation in highly selected candidates should be considered in experienced centers.

Arterial fistulas and pseudoaneurysms are rarely described significant arterial complications associated with pancreas transplantation that sometimes present with herald or catastrophic bleeding. We herein describe our institutional case series with a focus on management and outcomes. Of 2256 pancreas transplants, 24 arterial complications were identified in 23 recipients. Chart review was performed to describe the clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of the complications (pseudoaneurysm, arterial enteric/cystic/ureteric fistula, or arteriovenous fistula). Of these 23 patients, 57% had a failed allograft at the time of the complication. Nine patients underwent primary surgical repair of 10 complications, 13 were treated by endovascular methods, and one patient by medical management. In total, 3 embolized patients rebled, 2 of which had failed allografts prior to treatment. Of those with graft function that were treated by embolization alone, all retained graft function. Diagnosis of arterial complications requires a high degree of suspicion and should involve early systemic angiography to evaluate the pancreatic vasculature. Management can be endovascular or surgical and should be individualized. We report our center's evolution from a predominantly surgical to endovascular approach as a definitive vs stabilizing therapy, with selective coiling mostly reserved for well-defined peripheral lesions in patients with a functioning allograft. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

We used intravenous arginine with measurements of insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon to examine β-cell and α-cell survival and function in a group of 10 chronic pancreatitis recipients 1–8 years after total pancreatectomy and autoislet transplantation. Insulin and C-peptide responses correlated robustly with the number of islets transplanted (correlation coefficients range 0.81–0.91; P < 0.01–0.001). Since a wide range of islets were transplanted, we normalized the insulin and C-peptide responses to the number of islets transplanted in each recipient for comparison with responses in normal subjects. No significant differences were observed in terms of magnitude and timing of hormone release in the two groups. Three recipients had a portion of the autoislets placed within their peritoneal cavities, which appeared to be functioning normally up to 7 years posttransplant. Glucagon responses to arginine were normally timed and normally suppressed by intravenous glucose infusion. These findings indicate that arginine stimulation testing may be a means of assessing the numbers of native islets available in autologous islet transplant candidates and is a means of following posttransplant α- and β-cell function and survival.

Describe the surgical technique, complications, and long-term outcomes of total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) in a large series of pediatric patients.Surgical management of childhood pancreatitis is not clear; partial resection or drainage procedures often provide transient pain relief, but long-term recurrence is common due to the diffuse involvement of the pancreas. Total pancreatectomy (TP) removes the source of the pain, whereas islet autotransplantation (IAT) potentially can prevent or minimize TP-related diabetes.Retrospective review of 75 children undergoing TP-IAT for chronic pancreatitis who had failed medical, endoscopic, or surgical treatment between 1989 and 2012.Pancreatitis pain and the severity of pain statistically improved in 90% of patients after TP-IAT (P0.001). The relief from narcotics was sustained. Of the 75 patients undergoing TP-IAT, 31 (41.3%) achieved insulin independence. Younger age (P = 0.032), lack of prior Puestow procedure (P = 0.018), lower body surface area (P = 0.048), higher islet equivalents (IEQ) per kilogram body weight (P = 0.001), and total IEQ (100,000) (P = 0.004) were associated with insulin independence. By multivariate analysis, 3 factors were associated with insulin independence after TP-IAT: (1) male sex, (2) lower body surface area, and (3) higher total IEQ per kilogram body weight. Total IEQ (100,000) was the single factor most strongly associated with insulin independence (odds ratio = 2.62; P0.001).Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation provides sustained pain relief and improved quality of life. The β-cell function is dependent on islet yield. Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation is an effective therapy for children with painful pancreatitis that failed medical and/or endoscopic management.

Islet autotransplant (IAT) may ameliorate postsurgical diabetes following total pancreatectomy (TP), but outcomes are dependent upon islet mass, which is unknown prior to pancreatectomy. We evaluated whether preoperative metabolic testing could predict islet isolation outcomes and thus improve assessment of TPIAT candidates. We examined the relationship between measures from frequent sample IV glucose tolerance tests (FSIVGTT) and mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTT) and islet mass in 60 adult patients, with multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify predictors of islet mass ≥2500 IEQ/kg. The acute C-peptide response to glucose (ACRglu) and disposition index from FSIVGTT correlated modestly with the islet equivalents per kilogram body weight (IEQ/kg). Fasting and MMTT glucose levels and HbA1c correlated inversely with IEQ/kg (r values -0.33 to -0.40, p ≤ 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression modeling, normal fasting glucose (

Technical failure (TF) continues to have a significant impact on the success of pancreas transplantation. We assessed risk factors for TF in 1115 pancreas transplants performed at a single center between 1998 and 2011. The overall TF rate was 10.2%. In a multivariable model, donor BMI ≥ 30 (HR 1.87, p = 0.005), donor Cr ≥ 2.5 (HR 3.16, p = 0.007), donor age >50 (HR 1.73, p = 0.082) and preservation time >20 h (HR 2.17, p < 0.001) were associated with TF. Bladder drainage of exocrine secretions was protective (HR 0.54, p = 0.002). We incorporated these factors in a Composite Risk Model. In this model the presence of one risk factor did not significantly increase risk of TF (HR 1.35, p = 0.346). Two risk factors in combination increased risk greater than threefold (HR 3.65, p < 0.001) and three risk factors increased risk greater than sevenfold (HR 7.66, p =

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is increasingly performed with remote islet cell processing and preparation, i.e., with islet cell isolation performed remotely from the primary surgical site at an appropriately equipped islet isolation facility. We aimed to determine whether TPIAT using remote islet isolation results in comparable long-term glycemic outcomes compared with TPIAT performed with standard local isolation.We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent TPIAT at three tertiary care centers from 2010 to 2013. Two centers performed remote isolation and one performed local isolation. Explanted pancreata in the remote cohort were transported ∼130 miles to and from islet isolation facilities. The primary outcome was insulin independence 1 year following transplant.Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except the remote cohort had higher preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; 5.43 vs. 5.25, P=0.02) and there were more females in the local cohort (58% vs. 76%, P=0.049). At 1 year, 27% of remote and 32% of local patients were insulin independent (P=0.48). Remote patients experienced a greater drop in fasting c-peptide (-1.66 vs. -0.64, P=0.006) and a greater rise in HbA1c (1.65 vs. 0.99, P=0.014) at 1-year follow-up. A preoperative c-peptide2.7 (odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-14.3) and3,000 islet equivalents/kg (OR 11.0, 95% CI 3.2-37.3) were associated with one-year insulin independence in the local group.At 1 year after TPIAT, patients undergoing remote surgery have equivalent rates of long-term insulin independence compared with patients undergoing TPIAT locally, but metabolic control is superior with local isolation.

BACKGROUND The optimal enzyme blend that maximizes human islet yield for transplantation remains to be determined. In this study, we evaluated eight different enzyme combinations (ECs) in an attempt to improve islet yield. The ECs consisted of purified, intact or truncated class 1 (C1) and class 2 (C2) collagenases from Clostridium histolyticum (Ch), and neutral protease (NP) from Bacillus thermoproteolyticus rokko (thermolysin) or Ch (ChNP). METHODS We report the results of 249 human islet isolations, including 99 deceased donors (research n=57, clinical n=42) and 150 chronic pancreatitis pancreases. We prepared a new enzyme mixture (NEM) composed of intact C1 and C2 collagenases and ChNP in place of thermolysin. The NEM was first tested in split pancreas (n=5) experiments and then used for islet autologous (n=21) and allogeneic transplantation (n=10). Islet isolation outcomes from eight different ECs were statistically compared using multivariate analysis. RESULTS The NEM consistently achieved higher islet yields from pancreatitis (P

Rapid discontinuation of prednisone after kidney transplantation potentially allows for minimization of steroid-related side effects. Although intermediate-term data with rapid discontinuation of prednisone have been promising, concern still exists regarding long-term outcomes. The 10-year experience is reported herein.Between October 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010, 1241 adult primary kidney transplants (791 living donor and 450 deceased donor) were performed using a protocol in which prednisone is discontinued after postoperative day 5. The 10-year actuarial recipient and graft survival rates and prednisone-related side effects were studied.Ten-year actuarial patient survival was 71% for living donor transplants and 62% for deceased donor transplants; 10-year graft survival was 61% for living donor transplants and 51% for deceased donor transplants, and was comparable to 10-year Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients national data. Ten-year death-censored graft survival was 79% for living donor transplants and 80% for deceased donor transplants. Ten-year acute rejection rates were 25% for deceased donor transplants and 31% for living donor transplants; 10-year chronic rejection (interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy) rates were 39% for deceased donor transplants and 47% for living donor transplants. For nondiabetic recipients of living donor or deceased donor allografts, the incidence of new-onset diabetes was significantly lower than in historical controls on prednisone (P0.001). We also found significantly reduced rates of cataracts, avascular necrosis, and cytomegalovirus infection in some subgroups.Prednisone-related side effects can be minimized in a protocol incorporating rapid discontinuation of prednisone for maintenance immunosuppression. Ten-year patient and graft outcomes remain acceptable.

Purpose of review More than 160 living donor segmental pancreas/islet transplants have been done since the first in 1977, more than three-quarters at one institution. We review this three-decade experience to project future application. Initially, living donor pancreas transplants were done because the results with deceased donors were poor. As the results with deceased donors improved, the incentive to do living donor transplants declined but never disappeared. A living donor simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant in a uremic diabetic can correct diabetes and pre-empt dialysis with one operation, obviating the high mortality rate of waiting for a deceased donor. Solitary pancreas transplant candidates with preformed human leukocyte antigen antibodies but a negative cross match to a living donor volunteer also benefit. Recent findings The technical failure rate of living donor pancreas transplants was high in the initial cases (>1/3), nearly double that for deceased donors, but has since declined to nearly zero. Living donor segmental pancreatectomy has little surgical morbidity (currently done laparoscopically) with only a small risk for diabetes by strict selection criteria. living donor and deceased donor graft survival rates are equivalent. Islet allografts have been done from three living donors, the last one successfully, showing the potential for further application. Summary The incentives for living donor transplants are to eliminate long-wait times for a deceased donor organ and to improve outcomes. With both the incentive is high, but either by itself is sufficient. As the number of pancreas transplant candidates increase, so will wait times for a deceased donor organ. For this reason, living donor pancreas/islet transplant volume will likely increase in the years to come.

Pancreas transplantation provides the only proven method to restore long-term normoglycemia in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Although many studies describe the very important risk factors for short-term survival of a pancreas transplant, there is not a lot of information available about factors that distinguish short-term from long-term graft function.The analysis of 18,159 pancreas transplants from the International Pancreas Transplant Registry, performed from 25 July 1978 to 31 December 2005, showed an improvement not only in short-term but also in long-term graft function. Most recent 5-year, 10-year and 20-year graft function for transplants with the appropriate follow-up time showed 80, 68 and 45%, respectively, for simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants; 62, 46 and 16%, respectively, for pancreas after kidney; and 59, 39 and 12%, respectively, for pancreas transplants alone. Important factors influencing long-term function were factors that described the quality of the deceased donor. Pancreas transplants in younger or African-American recipients showed a higher risk of graft failure. Anti-T-cell induction therapy had a significant impact on long-term survival in solitary transplants.With a careful donor selection, not only short-term but also long-term pancreas graft function and, therefore, good metabolic control can be achieved for the diabetic patient.

Pancreatic acinar cells are commonly cotransplanted along with islets during auto- and allotransplantations. The aims of this study were to identify how acinar cell proteases cause human islet cell loss before and after transplantation of impure islet preparations and to prevent islet loss and improve function with supplementation of α-1 antitrypsin (A1AT).Acinar cell protease activity, insulin levels, and percent islet loss were measured after culture of pure and impure clinical islet preparations. The effect of proteases on ultrastructure of islets and β-cell insulin granules were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The number of insulin granules and insulin-labeled immunogold particles were counted. The in vivo effect of proteases on islet function was studied by transplanting acinar cells adjacent to islet grafts in diabetic mice. The effects of A1AT culture supplementation on protease activity, insulin levels, and islet function were assessed in pure and impure islets.Islet loss after culture was significantly higher in impure relative to pure preparations (30% vs. 14%, P0.04). Lower islet purity was associated with increased protease activity and decreased insulin levels in culture supernatants. Reduced β-cell insulin granules and insulin degradation by proteases were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Transplantations in mice showed delayed islet graft function when acinar cells were transplanted adjacent to the islets under the kidney capsule. Supplementation of A1AT to impure islet cultures maintained islet cell mass, restored insulin levels, and preserved islet functional integrity.Culture of impure human islet fractions in the presence of A1AT prevents insulin degradation and improves islet recovery.

Total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet autotransplant (IAT) have been used to treat patients with painful chronic pancreatitis. Initial studies indicated that most patients experienced significant pain relief, but there were few validated measures of quality of life. We investigated whether health-related quality of life improved among pediatric patients undergoing TP/IAT.Nineteen consecutive children (aged 5-18 years) undergoing TP/IAT from December 2006 to December 2009 at the University of Minnesota completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) health questionnaire before and after surgery. Insulin requirements were recorded.Before TP/IAT, patients had below average health-related quality of life, based on data from the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36; they had a mean physical component summary (PCS) score of 30 and mental component summary (MCS) score of 34 (2 and 1.5 standard deviations, respectively, below the mean for the US population). By 1 year after surgery, PCS and MCS scores improved to 50 and 46, respectively (global effect, PCS P.001, MCS P = .06). Mean scores improved for all 8 component subscales. More than 60% of IAT recipients were insulin independent or required minimal insulin. Patients with prior surgical drainage procedures (Puestow) had lower yields of islets (P = .01) and greater incidence of insulin dependence (P = .04).Quality of life (physical and emotional components) significantly improve after TP/IAT in subsets of pediatric patients with severe chronic pancreatitis. Minimal or no insulin was required for most patients, although islet yield was reduced in patients with previous surgical drainage operations.

Islet autotransplantation (IAT) is performed at the time of total pancreatectomy (TP) to prevent or minimize post-surgical diabetes. Corticosteroids induce insulin resistance and present a risk to islet autografts, through glucotoxicity and increased metabolic demand on a marginal islet mass. We present four IAT recipients treated with oral or injected corticosteroids after transplant for medical conditions unrelated to chronic pancreatitis or TPIAT. Hyperglycemia or insulin resistance was evident in all four patients, including reversion to long-term insulin therapy in two patients. One patient receiving corticosteroid injections had a transient increase in hemoglobin A1c (+0.6% above baseline), and one patient given a one time dose of oral dexamethasone exhibited hyperglycemia despite high insulin (>200 mU/L) and C-peptide (15.3 ng/mL) production on an oral glucose tolerance test. IAT recipients have insufficient islet mass to compensate for the insulin resistance induced by corticosteroids. Caution should be given to using these agents in IAT recipients. When corticosteroids are medically necessary, insulin therapy should be administered temporarily to compensate for the increased metabolic demand and minimize long-term risks on the islet graft.

Previously, recurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus after pancreas transplants was only sporadically reported. Newer data, however, indicate recurrence rates as high as 5%. After identical-twin pancreas transplants, diabetes recurs in the absence of immunosuppressive therapy - strong evidence that it is an autoimmune disease. After deceased donor pancreas transplants, immunologic markers (autoantibodies, autoreactive T cells) herald recurrence. Selective destruction of β cells, still relatively uncommon, is not restricted to MHC compatibility. The development of diabetes in living pancreas donors is rare; it can be largely avoided by meticulous metabolic evaluation before donation and prevention of obesity after donation.

Background Using standard density gradient (SDG) ranges for human islet purification frequently results in islet loss and transplantation of lower islet mass. Measuring the densities of islet and acinar tissue beforehand to customize the gradient range for the actual COBE 2991 cell processor (COBE) purification is likely to maximize the recovery of islets. We developed an analytical test gradient system (ATGS) for predicting pancreatic tissue densities before COBE purification to minimize islet loss during purification. Methods Human islets were isolated from deceased donor (n=30) and chronic pancreatitis pancreata (n=30). Pancreatic tissue densities were measured before purification by the ATGS, and the density gradient range for islet purification in a COBE was customized based on density profiles determined by the ATGS. The efficiency of custom density gradients (CDGs) to recover high islet yield was compared with predefined SDGs. Results Pancreatic tissue densities from autografts were significantly higher than in allograft preparations. In allograft purifications, a higher proportion of islets were recovered using ATGS-guided CDGs (85.9%±18.0%) compared with the SDG method (69.2%±27.0%; P=0.048). Acinar contamination at 60%, 70%, and 80% cumulative islet yield for allografts was significantly lower in the CDG group. In autograft purifications, more islets were recovered with CDGs (81.9%±28.0%) than SDGs (55.8%±22.8%; P=0.03). CDGs effectively reduced islet loss by minimizing islet sedimentation in the COBE bag. Conclusions Using ATGS-guided CDGs maximizes the islet recovery for successful transplantations by reducing acinar contamination in allograft preparations and by reducing sedimentation of islets in the COBE bag in autograft preparations.

Chylous ascites as a result of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a rare complication which carries significant morbidity, including severe protein-calorie malnutrition and an associated immunocompromised state. We report a patient who underwent hand-assisted left LDN and subsequently developed chylous ascites. He failed conservative therapy including low-fat diet with medium-chain triglycerides (LFD/MCT) and oral protein supplementation as well as strict NPO status with intravenous (IV) total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and subcutaneous (SQ) somatostatin analogue administration. Laparoscopic re-exploration and intracorporeal suture ligation and clipping of leaking lymph channels successfully sealed the chyle leak. We review the literature to date including diagnosis, incidence, management options, psychosocial aspects and clinical outcomes of chylous ascites after LDN.

OBJECTIVES: The probability of insulin independence after intraportal islet autotransplantation (IAT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) treated by total pancreatectomy (TP) relates to the number of islets isolated from the excised pancreas. Our goal was to correlate the islet yield with the histopathologic findings and the clinical parameters in pediatric (age

Bellin MD, Blondet JJ, Beilman GJ, Dunn TyB, Balamurugan AN, Thomas W, Sutherland DER, Moran A. Predicting islet yield in pediatric patients undergoing pancreatectomy and autoislet transplantation for chronic pancreatitis. Background/Objective: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children is associated with significant morbidity and can lead to narcotic dependence. Total pancreatectomy (TP) may be indicated in refractory CP to relieve pain; simultaneous islet autotransplant (IAT) may prevent postsurgical diabetes. About half of pediatric patients are insulin independent 1 yr after IAT. Insulin independence correlates best with the number of islets available for transplantation (islet yield). Currently there is no known method to predict islet yield in a given patient. We assessed the ability of preoperative metabolic tests to predict islet yields in 10 children undergoing TP/IAT. Design/Methods: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTT) were obtained prior to surgery in 10 patients age ≤ 18 yr. Fasting glucose, C-peptide, and creatinine were used to calculate the C-peptide to glucose* creatinine ratio (CPGCR). C-peptide peak and area under the curve (AUC) were determined from 2 h MMTT. Linear regressions were performed to predict islet yield from baseline test results. Results: Islet yield ranged from 7000 to 434 000 islet equivalents (IE) (mean 222 452 ± 148 697 IE). Islet yield was well predicted from body weight and fasting plasma glucose (R 2 = 57%, adjusted for overfitting by bootstrap). Islet yield was positively associated with CPGCR, peak C-peptide, and AUC C-peptide and negatively associated with HbA1c. Conclusions: Pilot data from 10 pediatric patients suggest that simple preoperative measurement of fasting plasma glucose may give a useful prediction of islet yield. Islet yield correlates with HbA1c and C-peptide levels. This information allows individual candidates to weigh the specific risk of becoming diabetic against the benefit of pain relief should they undergo TP-IAT.

The advantages of living donor pancreas transplants for the recipient include good HLA matching, lower immunologic risk, less immunosuppression, lower risk of infection and of posttransplant malignancies, and shorter pancreas graft preservation time. In 2008, a total of 155 segmental pancreas transplants using living donors were reported to the International Pancreas Transplant Registry from six countries. Pancreas living donors need to undergo a thorough pretransplant endocrinologic workup in order to minimize the risk of metabolic complications. The pretransplant workup has evolved over time, after initial reports showed that up to 25% of living donors had elevated hemoglobin A(1c) levels after donation. Avoiding obesity after donation diminishes the risk of long-term metabolic complications. The risk of surgical complications for the donor (such as pancreatitis, pancreatic leak or fistula, pancreatic abscess, and pancreatic pseudocyst) is less than 5%. If both the donor and recipient operations are technically successful, the long-term graft survival rate is significantly higher for living (versus deceased) donor pancreas transplant recipients. Future long-term studies of metabolic function in living donors are warranted to determine whether living donor pancreas transplants can safely be applied more widely and whether living donors can be used for islet transplants.

Background Immunotherapy with Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) is effective in ameliorating autoimmunity in diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. We investigated whether CFA treatment up-regulates CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and increases transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 production in diabetic NOD mice. Methods New-onset diabetic NOD mice were treated with CFA and exendin-4, a potent analog of glucagon-like peptide-1. Reversal of diabetes was determined by monitoring blood glucose level. Ameliorating autoimmunity through immunoregulation was assessed by adoptive transfer. Regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood, spleen, thymus, and pancreatic nodes were measured. TGF-beta1 in plasma and the insulin content in the pancreas were also measured. Immunostainings for insulin and BrdU were performed. Results New-onset diabetes could be reversed in 38% of NOD mice treated with CFA alone and in 86% of NOD mice treated with both CFA and exendin-4. Diabetes adoptive transfer by splenocytes from CFA-treated NOD mice was delayed. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes of CFA-treated NOD mice was significantly increased at 1, 5, and 15 to 17 weeks after treatment. TGF-beta1 in the plasma of CFA-treated NOD mice was also significantly increased. Combining CFA with exendin-4 treatment significantly increased the insulin content and the numbers of insulin and BrdU double-labeled beta cells in the islets. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that CFA treatment ameliorates autoimmunity in diabetic NOD mice by up-regulating CD4=CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and increasing TGF-beta1 production. Exendin-4 enhanced the effect of CFA on reversing diabetes in NOD mice by stimulating beta-cell replication.

The ultimate goal of clinical transplantation is for the recipients to achieve long-term survival, with continuing graft function, that is equivalent to that of the age-matched general population. We studied subsequent outcome in kidney transplant recipients with 10 years of graft function. In all, 2202 kidney transplant recipients survived with graft function10 years. For 10-year survivors, the actuarial 25-year patient survival rate for primary transplant living donor (LD) recipients was 57%; graft survival, 43%. For primary transplant deceased donor (DD) recipients, the actuarial 25-year patient survival rate was 39%; graft survival, 27%. The two major causes of late graft loss were death (with graft function) and chronic allograft nephropathy (tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis). The two major causes of death with function were cardiovascular disease (CVD) and malignancy. For nondiabetic recipients, the mean age at death with function from CVD was 54 +/- 13 years; for diabetic recipients, 53 +/- 7 years. By 20 years posttransplant, morbidity was common:40% recipients had skin cancer (mean age for nondiabetic recipients, 53 +/- 13 years; for diabetics, 49 +/- 8 years),10% had non-skin cancer (mean age for nondiabetic recipients, 53 +/- 16 years; for diabetics, 46 +/- 9 years), and30% had CVD (mean age for nondiabetic recipients, 53 +/- 15 years; for diabetics, 47 +/- 9 years). We conclude that long-term transplant recipients have a high rate of morbidity and early mortality. As short-term results have improved, more focus is needed on long-term outcome.

We examined a group of SPK recipients that had early (

Background A total pancreatectomy is the last resort in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis because it results in complete endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. More than 50% of total pancreatectomy patients experience severe glucose control problems, which cause up to 50% of late deaths. Study Design Between June 1, 1986, and May 15, 2007, we performed 26 pancreas allotransplants (18 primary, 8 retransplants) in 18 patients who had previously undergone a total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis. All patients had a history of labile diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemic unawareness; secondary diabetic complications developed in 12. The median time interval from the total pancreatectomy to the pancreas allotransplant was 5 years (range 9 months to 22 years). Of the 26 transplants, 6 were performed in the cyclosporine (CSA) era, 15 in the tacrolimus (TAC) era, and 5 in the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free era. Results Patient survival rates at 1 and 3 years in both the CSA and TAC eras were 100% and 100%; in the CNI-free era, at 1 year, the survival rate was 40%. Pancreas graft survival rates in the CSA era were 67% and 50% at 1 and 3 years, respectively; in the TAC era, 73% and 51%, respectively; and in the CNI-free era, at 1 year, 40% (p=0.13). The mean number of rejection episodes in the CSA era was 2.1; in the TAC era, 1.4; and in the CNI-free era, 0.6. Conclusions Our series of pancreas allotransplants in patients with a previous total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis showed that pancreas graft survival rates of more than 70% can be achieved with TAC-based immunosuppression; pancreas transplants can successfully treat both endocrine and exocrine insufficiency; and sequential pancreas allotransplants should be considered a treatment option in patients with pancreatectomy-induced brittle diabetes mellitus or with progression of secondary complications of diabetes mellitus.

Background. A pancreas transplant alone (PTA) in a nonuremic patient with brittle diabetes mellitus remains a rare procedure because the tradeoff for insulin independence is lifelong immunosuppression. Methods. Herein we report our results at the University of Minnesota of 513 PTAs from December 17, 1966, through December 31, 2006. Of these recipients, 87% had previously experienced hypoglycemic unawareness and 23% experienced coma and/or seizures. These transplants spanned four immunosuppressive eras: pre-cyclosporine A (pre-CsA) era (16%), CsA era (23%), tacrolimus (TAC) era (47%), and calcineurin-inhibitor (CNI)-free era (14%). Results. The overall patient survival rate at 1 year posttransplant was about 95%; at 5 years, it was 90%. The pancreas graft survival rate at 1 year increased significantly from the pre-CsA era (31%) to the TAC era (75%), thanks to a significant decline in immunologic and technical failures. The CNI-free protocol, because of its high infection and hematologic infection rate, did not further improve outcome. Risk factors for subsequent kidney failure (13% at 5 years posttransplant) were serum creatinine levels > 1.5 mg/dl at the time of the pancreas transplant and recipient age

Background and Objectives Acquired red cell aplasia (RCA) is a rare disorder and can be either idiopathic or associated with certain diseases, pregnancy, or drugs. In exceptionally rare cases, it has been reported to co-exist with other autoimmune cytopenias. We report a high incidence of RCA and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in pancreas transplant recipients on alemtuzumab-based maintenance therapy. Design and Methods Between February 2003 and July 2005, 357 pancreas transplant recipients were treated with immunosuppressive regimens containing the lymphocyte-depleting antibody alemtuzumab, the T-cell activation inhibitor daclizumab, and the anti-metabolite mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). We retrospectively reviewed medical records, blood bank data and bone marrow biopsy specimens of patients with a Transplant Information Services database diagnosis of RCA and AIHA from February 2003 to November 2005. Results Severe RCA, AIHA, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occurred independently or in combination, in 20 out of 357 (5.6%) pancreas transplant recipients, 12 to 24 months following the initiation of the aforementioned immunosuppressive regimens. Severe opportunistic infections developed late in 14/20 (70%) of these patients. Atypical morphologic features, including variable dysgranulopoiesis, variable megakaryocytic hyperplasia with normal or low peripheral platelet counts, and atypical lymphoid aggregates were found in bone marrow trephine sections of 11 patients in whom the diagnosis of RCA was made. Interpretation and Conclusions We hypothesize that the combination of alemtuzumab, daclizumab and MMF can result in immune dysregulation thereby permitting autoantibody formation. Because the use of these three immune suppressants is becoming increasingly common, it is important to recognize the severe hematologic complications that can arise.

Our objective was to analyze factors predicting outcomes after a total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT).Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is increasingly treated by a TP-IAT. Postoperative outcomes are generally favorable, but a minority of patients fare poorly.In our single-centered study, we analyzed the records of 581 patients with CP who underwent a TP-IAT. Endpoints included persistent postoperative "pancreatic pain" similar to preoperative levels, narcotic use for any reason, and islet graft failure at 1 year.In our patients, the duration (mean ± SD) of CP before their TP-IAT was 7.1 ± 0.3 years and narcotic usage of 3.3 ± 0.2 years. Pediatric patients had better postoperative outcomes. Among adult patients, the odds of narcotic use at 1 year were increased by previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent placement, and a high number of previous stents (3). Independent risk factors for pancreatic pain at 1 year were pancreas divisum, previous body mass index30, and a high number of previous stents (3). The strongest independent risk factor for islet graft failure was a low islet yield-in islet equivalents (IEQ)-per kilogram of body weight. We noted a strong dose-response relationship between the lowest-yield category (2000 IEQ) and the highest (≥5000 IEQ or more). Islet graft failure was 25-fold more likely in the lowest-yield category.This article represents the largest study of factors predicting outcomes after a TP-IAT. Preoperatively, the patient subgroups we identified warrant further attention.

A total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant (TPIAT) offers substantial pain relief and improved quality of life for children who are severely affected by chronic or recurrent acute pancreatitis and for whom the usual medical and endoscopic therapies have failed. The pancreas is entirely resected, and the pancreatic islets are isolated from the pancreas and infused back into the patient’s liver. Because this is an autologous transplant, no immunosuppression is required. Over several months, the islets engraft in the liver; the patient is then slowly weaned off insulin therapy. Slightly more than 40 % of patients become and remain insulin independent, yet even among patients who remain on insulin, most have some islet function, permitting easier diabetes control. The majority of patients experience pain relief, with significant improvements in health-related quality of life. A TPIAT should be considered for children who are significantly disabled by chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a painful and often debilitating disease. Total pancreatectomy with intra-portal islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) is a treatment option that allows for pain relief and preservation of beta-cell mass, thereby minimizing the complication of diabetes mellitus. Cultures of harvested islets are often positive for bacteria, possibly due to frequent procedures prior to TP-IAT, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), stenting, or other operative drainage procedures. It is unclear if these positive cultures contribute to post-operative infections.We hypothesized that positive cultures of transplant solutions will not be associated with increased infection risk.We reviewed retrospectively the sterility cultures from both the pancreas preservation solution used to transport the pancreas and the final islet preparation for intra-portal infusion of patients who underwent TP-IAT between April 2006 and November 2012. Two hundred fifty-one patients underwent total, near-total, or completion pancreatectomy with IAT and had complete sterility cultures. All patients received prophylactic peri-operative antibiotics. Patients with positive pancreas preservation solution or islet sterility cultures received further antibiotics for 5-7 d. Patients' medical records were reviewed for post-operative infections and causative organisms.Of the 251 patients included, 151 (61%) had one or more positive bacterial cultures from the pancreas preservation solution or final islet product. Seventy-three of the 251 patients (29%) had an infectious complication. Thirty-four of the 73 (22%) patients with a post-operative infectious complication also had positive cultures. Only seven of 151 patients with positive cultures (4.7%) had an infectious complication caused by the same organism as that isolated from their pancreas or islet cell preparation.In autologous islet preparations, isolation solutions frequently have positive cultures, but this finding is associated infrequently with clinical infection.