Heterotopic Autotransplantation of the Resected Pancreas Segment for Chronic Pancreatitis

Katsuhiro Tamura, Seikon Kin, Haruhiko Nagami, Akira Nakase

First Department of Surgery, Shimane Medical University

In surgical treatment for chronic pancreatitis, it is important not only to obtain a pain-free effect but to preserve the pancreatic function. Focal pancreatic resection was performed in patients with diffuse calcification, and pancreatectomy was carried out in patients with cystic formation or those without dilatation of the main pancreatic duct. In these patients, four who had received nearly subtotal removal of the distal portion of the pancreas underwent autotransplantation of the resected pancreas. The splenic artery and vein of a segment of the body and tail of the pancreas were transplanted to the iliac vessels heterotopically to avoid reinnervation that would cause pain in the pancreas. The transplanted pancreas was anastomosed to the jejunum. All of the autotransplanted pancreases have survived, and almost all of the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas are preserved. Every patient has completely recovered from the severe pain, and has returned to a normal social life.

Key words
heterotopic autotransplantation of the resected pancreas segment, massive pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis, diffuse calcified chronic pancreatitis

Reprint requests
Katsuhiro Tamura First Department of Surgery, Shimane Medical University
89-1 Enya, Izumo, 693 JAPAN

Accepted
July 3, 1991

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