[Experimental surgery in pancreas/autotransplantation (author's transl)]

We have described to technique of one stage intraabdominal heterotopic pancreaticduodenal autotransplantation which has resulted in long term survival of dogs in good health. Malnutrition related to pancreatic exocrine hypofunction occurs initially but gradual recovery by 3 months nutrition is normal. In contrast, endocrine function is well preserved throughout the postoperative period except for a few days immediately after transplantation. Tolbutamide testing showed a significant prolongation of hypoglycemia as compared to controls although glucose tolerance curves were normal. There was no fibrosis after pancreas-autotransplantation. This experimental model is useful for long term evaluation of heterotopic transplantation of the pancreas. Denervation and lymphatic interruption of the pancreas may cause a transient but not definitive influence on pancreatic endocrine or exocrine function.