Use of UW solution in pancreas transplantation

We have recently reported successful 72-h preservation of the canine pancreas with a new cold-storage solution developed at the University of Wisconsin (UW solution). Over 10 mo, we performed 11 combined pancreas-kidney and 4 isolated-pancreas transplants with this solution. In situ cooling of the donor pancreas was performed with 1000 ml of UW solution followed by ex vivo perfusion with an additional 250-500 ml. Graft preservation times ranged from 3 to 19 h (mean 10.2 h). Pancreas transplants were vascularized whole-organ grafts with pancreaticoduodenocystostomy. Early graft function was excellent as assessed by immediate insulin independence, high urinary amylase and low serum amylase levels, and a technetium perfusion index indicating good pancreatic blood flow. There were no episodes of primary nonfunction, graft pancreatitis, or vascular thrombosis. Actuarial patient and graft survival at 1 mo was 92.9%. We conclude that UW solution provides excellent early graft function for up to 19 h of cold storage. Based on previously reported data on its efficacy in liver and kidney preservation, UW solution seems ideally suited as a universal intra-aortic flush and cold-storage solution.