Laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis

Pain from chronic pancreatitis can be debilitating and have far-reaching personal and societal consequences. These consequences can include patient debilitation, worsening of comorbid conditions, narcotic dependence, and implications for health care policy. A variety of surgical procedures have shown limited efficacy for relieving pain in this cohort of patients, and a highly select subset may benefit from a total pancreatectomy (TP). While a brittle form of diabetes can result from TP alone, when combined with islet cell autotransplantation this procedural complication can be minimized. Further, utilizing a minimally invasive approach may be associated with decreased periprocedural pain and length of hospital stay.

We describe our experience at a single high-volume center in the United States. We present our preferred preoperative evaluation, our updated operative techniques, and the standard perioperative care required following this complex laparoscopic procedure.

Between 2013 and 2015, there were 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (LTPIAT). Perioperative mortality was 0%.

At a high volume pancreatic center with experienced laparoscopic pancreatic surgeons, LTPIAT is feasible and safe for the management of chronic pancreatitis refractory to prior medical and surgical therapies.