Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation (TPIAT) as a Technique to Treat Chronic Idiopathic Pancreatitis: Early Experience Analysis
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Updated: May 29, 2025
Isolation of Human Islets from Partially Pancreatectomized Patients
Published on: July 30, 2011
V E Zagainov1, D M Kuchin2, A V Kashina3
1MD, DSc, Director of the Institute of Surgery and Oncology; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia; Head of the Department of Faculty Surgery and Transplantology; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia; Deputy Chief Physician for Science and Innovation; Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncologic Dispensary, 11/1 Delovaya St., Nizhny Novgorod, 603093, Russia.
Abstract:
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a quite common disease with an annual incidence of up to 30 new cases per 100,000 persons in Russia, and 9.6 cases per 100,000 persons abroad. Idiopathic pancreatitis associated with genetic mutations ranks second in frequency. When conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical intervention is considered. Total pancreatectomy reduces pain, but leads to pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus. In case of hereditary pancreatitis caused by mutations in the PRSS1, CFTR, SPINK1 genes, pancreatectomy becomes advisable, including for prevention of pancreatic cancer. Isolation of Langerhans islets from the excised pancreas and their autotransplantation (total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, TPIAT) provides additional treatment options. Such surgical interventions are not performed in Russia as of yet. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of total pancreatectomy followed by restoration of glucose tolerance in treatment of patients with chronic genetically determined pain pancreatitis.
Materials And Methods:
Two patients with chronic pain pancreatitis with the SPINK1 and PRSS1 genetic mutations were examined and underwent surgical total pancreatectomy. Islets were isolated from the excised glands and implanted into the liver. Postoperative followup included an assessment of quality of life and pain intensity based on questionnaires, as well as determination of the glycemic level.
Results:
Following total pancreatoduodenectomy and autotransplantation, a significant decrease in pain and an improvement in quality of life were noted. Transplanted islets' function was reduced, due to their insufficient number, which required administration of exogenous insulin.
Conclusion:
The described experience demonstrates the TPIAT effectiveness in treatment of chronic pancreatitis, which can become a basis for further research and introduction of the technique into domestic clinical practice.
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