Islet autotransplantation after complete rescue pancreatectomy for complications of upper GI-tract surgery

Introduction: Anastomotic insufficiency after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Complete pancreatectomy is representing a bail out procedure if major complications at a pancreatojejunostomy or duodenal anastomosis occured or will be expected and the patient is in a condition that does not allow for drainage or reanastomosis. Such a procedure leads to complete endo- and exocrine deficiency. Due to the lack of the insulin counter player glucagon such a state can be associated with live threatening hypoglycemia. Islet autotransplantation is a method to restore gly…