Preparation of the orthotopic autotransplanted pancreas for long-term exocrine studies

The operative technique for the construction of an orthotopically autotransplanted pancreas with a permanent pancreatic fistula has been described. The operation is performed in two stages, with preparation of the transplant based on the gastroduodenal artery and superior pancreaticoduodenal vein in the first stage and construction of a Herrera-type permanent pancreatic fistula in the second stage. Elimination of warm ischemic time by dividing and reanastomosing the vessels on which the transplant will be based during the first stage while the pancreas continues to be perfused by its other vessels resulted in a uniformly successful outcome. The pancreatic transplant functioned well. The dogs were neither diabetic nor exocrine pancreatic deficient. Their responses to stimulation with exogenous secretin and the cholecystokinin analogue, cerulein, were only slightly less than those of dogs without a pancreatic transplant. This preparation should enable studies to be carried out that will better define the interactions of nerves and hormones in the control of pancreatic secretion.