A prospective comparison of simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation with systemic-enteric versus portal-enteric drainage

Surgical complications after pancreatic transplantation: A computed tomography imaging pictorial review

Pancreatic transplantation is considered by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes an acceptable surgical procedure in patients with type 1 diabetes also undergoing kidney transplantation in pre-final or end-stage renal disease if no contraindications are present. Pancreatic transplantation, however, is a complex surgical procedure and may lead to a range of postoperative complications that can significantly impact graft function and patient outcomes. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) is often adopted to evaluate perfusion of the transplanted pancreas, identify complications and as a guide for interventional radiology procedures. CT assessment after pancreatic transplantation should start with the evaluation of the arterial Y-graft, the venous anastomosis and the duodenojejunostomy. With regard to complications, CT allows for the identification of vascular complications, such as thrombosis or stenosis of blood vessels supplying the graft, the detection of pancreatic fluid collections, including pseudocysts, abscesses, or leaks, the assessment of bowel complications (anastomotic leaks, ileus or obstruction), and the identification of bleeding. The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate CT findings of surgical-related complications after pancreatic transplantation. The knowledge of surgical techniques is of key importance to understand postoperative anatomic changes and imaging evaluation. Therefore, we first provide a short summary of the main techniques of pancreatic transplantation. Then, we provide a practical imaging approach to pancreatic transplantation and its complications providing tips and tricks for the prompt imaging diagnosis on CT.

First World Consensus Conference on pancreas transplantation: Part II - recommendations

The First World Consensus Conference on Pancreas Transplantation provided 49 jury deliberations regarding the impact of pancreas transplantation on the treatment of diabetic patients, and 110 experts' recommendations for the practice of pancreas transplantation. The main message from this consensus conference is that both simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and pancreas transplantation alone can improve long-term patient survival, and all types of pancreas transplantation dramatically improve the quality of life of recipients. Pancreas transplantation may also improve the course of chronic complications of diabetes, depending on their severity. Therefore, the advantages of pancreas transplantation appear to clearly surpass potential disadvantages. Pancreas after kidney transplantation increases the risk of mortality only in the early period after transplantation, but is associated with improved life expectancy thereafter. Additionally, preemptive SPK, when compared to SPK performed in patients undergoing dialysis, appears to be associated with improved outcomes. Time on dialysis has negative prognostic implications in SPK recipients. Increased long-term survival, improvement in the course of diabetic complications, and amelioration of quality of life justify preferential allocation of kidney grafts to SPK recipients. Audience discussions and live voting are available online at the following URL address: http://mediaeventi.unipi.it/category/1st-world-consensus-conference-of-pancreas-transplantation/246.

Surgery of pancreas transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The surgical techniques of pancreas transplantation have been evolving and significantly improved over time. This article discusses different current techniques and their modifications.

RECENT FINDING

At this time, the most commonly used technique is systemic venous drainage (for venous outflow) and enteric drainage (for management of exocrine pancreatic secretions). However, new modifications of established techniques such as gastric or duodenal exocrine drainage and venous drainage to the inferior vena cava continue to be introduced.

SUMMARY

This article provides a state-of the-art review of the most prevalent up-to-date surgical techniques as well as a synopsis of their specific risks and benefits. The article also provides the most current registry data regarding utilization of different surgical techniques in the United State and worldwide.

Pancreas Transplantation With Portal-Enteric Drainage for Patients With Endocrine and Exocrine Insufficiency From Extensive Pancreatic Resection

Although the primary indication for pancreas transplantation is type I diabetes, a small number of patients requires pancreas transplantation to manage combined endocrine and exocrine insufficiency that develops after extensive native pancreatic resection. The objective of this case report was to describe the operative and clinical course in 3 such patients and present an alternative technical approach.

Pancreas transplantation: Advantages of a retroperitoneal graft position

INTRODUCTION

In the 50 years since the first pancreas transplant performed at the University of Minnesota, the surgical techniques employed have undergone many modifications. Techniques such as retroperitoneal graft placement have further improved the ability to reproduce the physiology of the «native» pancreas. We herein present our experience of a modified technique for pancreatic transplant, with the organ placed into a fully retroperitoneal position with systemic venous and enteric drainage of the graft by duodeno-duodenostomy.

METHODS

All pancreas transplantations performed between May 2016 and January 2017 were prospectively entered into our transplant database and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 10 transplants were performed using the retroperitoneal technique (6 men: median age of 41 years [IQR 36-54]). Median cold ischemia times was 10,30h [IQR 5,30-12,10]. The preservation solution used was Celsior (n=7), IGL-1 (n=2), and UW (n=1). No complications related to the new surgical technique were identified. In one patient, transplantectomy at 12h was performed due to graft thrombosis, probably related to ischemic conditions from a donor with prolonged cardio-respiratory arrest. Another procedure was aborted without completing the graft implant due to an intraoperative immediate arterial thrombosis in a patient with severe iliac atheromatosis. No primary pancreas non-function occurred in the remaining 8patients. The median hospital stay was 13,50 days [IQR 10-27].

CONCLUSIONS

Retroperitoneal graft placement appears feasible with easy access for dissection the vascular site; comfortable technical vascular reconstruction; and a decreased risk of intestinal obstruction by separation of the small bowel from the pancreas graft.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation with duodeno-duodenal anastomosis

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is now accepted as the method of choice for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I) who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We believe that retroperitoneal positioning of the donor pancreas with the formation of duodeno-duodenal anastomosis is the most physiologically relevant. Starting in January 2008, the SPKT was chosen as the treatment method of 32 patients with diabetes mellitus. In 15 cases comprising group I (46.9%), the pancreas was placed intra-abdominally (including the formation of the duodeno-jejunal anastomosis). In the remaining 17 patients (53.1%) comprising group II, the pancreas was positioned retroperitoneally (including the formation of the duodeno-duodenal anastomosis). We compared the main parameters of the early postoperative period in these groups. There were no substantial differences between the groups in the prevalence of immunological (13.3% and 11.8%, P = .9), surgical (20% and 23.5%, P = .81), and infectious complications (20% and 5.9%, P = .23). On discharge there were no significant differences in the values of the following between the two groups, respectively: serum creatinine values, 112.7 ± 31.2 and 104.8 ± 54.6 μmol/L, P = .17; glomerular filtration rate, 73.5 ± 28.6 and 78.7 ± 24.9 mL/min, P = .55; α-amylase, 121.9 ± 63.6 and 150.1 ± 72.1 U/L, P = .27; pancreatic amylase, 102 ± 51.5 and 122.5 ± 75.4 U/L, P = .6; lipase, 115.4 ± 67.3 and 96 ± 65.7 U/L, P = .5; С-peptide, 4.44 ± 1.9 and 4.02 ± 2.4 ng/mL, P = .47; HbA1c, 5.45 ± 0.8% and 5.56 ± 1.12%, P = .9; and intact insulin, 12.2 ± 5.4 and 12.9 ± 8.8 mcIU/mL, P = .95). SPKT remains the best method of medical and social rehabilitation for patients who have diabetes mellitus (type-I) with ESRD. Compared to the classic method, we have seen no significant deviations in either of the following: the qualitative features marking the restoration of function of the two transplanted organs and/or the quality of compensation of carbohydrate metabolism, incidence of rejection, and graft loss. At the same time, retroperitoneal positioning of the pancreas exhibited lower repeat surgery rates.

A comparison of long-term outcomes of portal versus systemic venous drainage in pancreatic transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pancreas transplantation venous effluent can be drained via the portal vein or the systemic circulation; however, no recommendation exists for the ideal technique. A systematic review of the literature from 1989 through 2014 using PubMed, CINHAL, and Cochrane Library for portal versus systemic venous drainage was undertaken. Only studies on humans and published in English were considered. Measures of glycemic control and total cholesterol were synthesized for meta-analysis utilizing random-effects models. Of 166 articles retrieved, 15 articles were included for meta-analysis. Patient and graft survival were comparable in a large database study as well as in the only randomized control study. No differences in complications were seen when exocrine drainage was enteric for the systemic venous group. Fasting insulin (-34.13 pmol/mL, p < 0.001) was significantly lower within the portal drained group; however, fasting blood glucose levels (-3.4 mg/dL, p = 0.32) and hemoglobin A1C levels (mean difference 0.124%, p = 0.25) were comparable. Total cholesterol levels (-3.62 mg/dL, p = 0.447), as well as other measures of lipids, showed no difference. Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, there is no evidence of differences in outcomes or metabolic control in patients undergoing pancreatic transplant with portal venous drainage compared to the systemic venous drainage.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: The role in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common and debilitating diseases to affect the world. Many patients are afflicted by microvascular and macrovascular complications, and succumb to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although dialysis and insulin therapy provides better glycemic control, it nonetheless significantly decreases a patient's quality of life. Moreover, they cannot reverse ESRD or alleviate complications. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation has revolutionized the way we manage type 1 DM; it provides a physiological means of achieving normoglycemia while rendering patients free of dialysis. Understanding this procedure is important because it is becoming a more common management strategy for patients with type 1 DM. In this review, we will begin with a brief summary of type 1 DM, followed by a comprehensive description of SPK procedure, including the history and technique. We will then present the outcomes of transplantation.

Pancreas transplantation with portal venous drainage with an emphasis on technical aspects

Advances in surgical techniques and clinical immunosuppression have led to improving results in vascularized pancreas transplantation. Most pancreas transplants are performed with enteric exocrine drainage and systemic venous delivery of insulin (systemic-enteric technique) although bladder drainage (systemic-bladder technique) remains a viable option. To improve the physiology of pancreas transplantation, an innovative technique of portal venous delivery of insulin and enteric drainage of the exocrine secretions (portal-enteric technique) was developed and refined over the past 27 yr. However, the potential of portal-enteric pancreas transplantation has never been fully realized as it is currently performed in only 18% of simultaneous pancreas-kidney/sequential pancreas after kidney and 10% of pancreas-alone transplants with enteric drainage. A number of studies have demonstrated no major or consistent differences in outcomes for bladder-drained or enteric-drained pancreas transplants with either portal or systemic venous drainage although some studies suggest purported metabolic and immunologic advantages associated with portal venous delivery of insulin. The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature on portal-enteric pancreas transplantation with an emphasis on surgical aspects and technical modifications/nuances that have been introduced with time and experience.

A composite risk model for predicting technical failure in pancreas transplantation

Technical failure (TF) continues to have a significant impact on the success of pancreas transplantation. We assessed risk factors for TF in 1115 pancreas transplants performed at a single center between 1998 and 2011. The overall TF rate was 10.2%. In a multivariable model, donor BMI ≥ 30 (HR 1.87, p = 0.005), donor Cr ≥ 2.5 (HR 3.16, p = 0.007), donor age >50 (HR 1.73, p = 0.082) and preservation time >20 h (HR 2.17, p < 0.001) were associated with TF. Bladder drainage of exocrine secretions was protective (HR 0.54, p = 0.002). We incorporated these factors in a Composite Risk Model. In this model the presence of one risk factor did not significantly increase risk of TF (HR 1.35, p = 0.346). Two risk factors in combination increased risk greater than threefold (HR 3.65, p < 0.001) and three risk factors increased risk greater than sevenfold (HR 7.66, p = <0.001). The analysis also identified many factors that were not predictive of TF, including previous transplants, immunosuppressive agent selection, and almost all recipient demographic parameters. While the model suggests that two or more risk factors predict TF, strategies to reduce preservation time may mitigate some of this risk.

Duodenum-stomach anastomosis: a new technique for exocrine drainage in pancreas transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Poor vascular access due to previous surgery can be a major obstacle in pancreas transplantation for which new exocrine and vascular outflow techniques might be useful. A 34-year-old female with early onset type 1 diabetes who underwent living donor kidney transplantation 20 years ago and a failed pancreas transplantation 2 years ago presented for pancreas retransplantation.

METHODS

The inferior vena cava was used in the previous deceased donor pancreas transplantation and both iliac arteries had intense perivascular fibrosis, making arterial anastomosis impossible. The only remaining option for the implant was the infrarenal aorta, with venous drainage to the superior mesenteric vein and exocrine drainage to the gastric antrum.

RESULTS

The patient had an uneventful recovery and graft function appeared normal. This report shows that when the recipient's abdominal cavity does not provide clear access for the usual surgical techniques regarding exocrine drainage, the stomach drainage procedure is an option.

CONCLUSION

Duodenum-stomach anastomosis might be an alternative to portal enteric drainage because there is easy access for graft biopsies and even for procedures involving the papilla major.

Initial Australasian experience with portal-enteric drainage in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Pancreas-kidney transplantation is currently the most effective method to re-establish euglycaemia in insulin-dependent diabetics with associated renal failure. The standard technique employed has been bladder drainage of exocrine secretions coupled with systemic venous drainage ('systemic-bladder' (SB) drainage). The more physiological technique, enteric exocrine with portal venous drainage ('portal-enteric' (PE) drainage), has been utilized sparingly in the past as a result of fears of technical complications. This paper compares the Monash Medical Centre experience with both techniques.

METHODS

A total of 68 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations were performed at Monash Medical Centre from 1991 until 2004. The first 37 received SB drainage. Since March 2001, 27 have received PE drainage. This retrospective study compared the SB group (n= 37) with the PE group (n= 27), with a 2-year follow-up, examining a number of surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Two-year patient (94.3 versus 96.0%), kidney (89.2 versus 85.2%), pancreas (77.9 versus 71.4%) and event-free (73.0 versus 67.7%) survivals were all similar between the SB and PE groups, respectively. Although surgery took longer in PE subjects (4 h : 47 min ± 0:48 versus 5 h : 16 min ± 1:00; P= 0.045), less intraoperative transfusions were required (1.3 ± 1.43 versus 0.52 ± 0.90; P= 0.024). Length of hospital stay and time to insulin independence were similar. Pancreas graft thrombosis rates were similar (10.8% SB versus 7.4% PE, P= 0.497).

CONCLUSIONS

PE drainage is a safe and viable method for pancreas transplantation, which can be performed with excellent outcomes. An increased rate of complications with PE drainage has not been demonstrated in this series.

Evolution of β-Cell Replacement Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus: Pancreas Transplantation

Diabetes mellitus remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 23.6 million people in the United States are affected. Of these individuals, 5-10% have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (TIDM), an autoimmune disease. Although it often appears in childhood, T1DM may manifest at any age. The effects of T1DM can be devastating, as the disease often leads to significant secondary complications, morbidity, and decreased quality of life. Since the late 1960s, surgical treatment for diabetes mellitus has continued to evolve and has become a viable alternative to chronic insulin administration. In this review, the historical evolution, current status, graft efficacy, benefits, and complications of pancreas transplantation are explored.

Evolution of pancreas transplant surgery

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition often leading to disabling complications including retinopathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease which can be modified by intensive treatment with insulin. Such treatment, however, is associated with a restrictive lifestyle and risk of hypoglycaemic morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

This review examines the role of pancreas transplantation in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

Pancreas transplantation is currently the only proven option to achieve long-term insulin independence, resulting in an improvement or stabilization of those diabetic related complications. The hazards of pancreas transplantation as a major operation are well known. Balancing the risks of a surgical procedure, with the benefits of restoring normoglycaemia remains an important task for the pancreas transplant surgeon. Pancreas transplantation is not an emergency operation to treat poorly managed and non-compliant patients with debilitating complications. It is a highly specialized procedure which has evolved both in terms of the surgical technique, patient selection and assessment.

CONCLUSION

Pancreas transplantation has emerged as the single most effective way to achieve normal glucose homeostasis in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Consolidation of enteric drainage for exocrine secretions in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant

INTRODUCTION

Management of the exocrine drainage of the pancreatic graft in simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation has been a matter of debate for years. There is currently a trend toward a more physiological enteric drainage (ED). This study compared short- and long-term complications and graft survival in patients with enteric versus bladder exocrine secretion drainage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1995 and November 2005, we performed 75 SPK transplants: 55 with ED and 20 with bladder drainage (BD). The rates of complications and graft survival were monitored over at least 36 months after transplantation.

RESULTS

Mean posttransplant follow-up was 119.5 +/- 6.6 months. Urinary infection, hematuria, reflux pancreatitis, and repeat surgery rates were all significantly higher among the BD area. There was no intergroup difference in rejection rates or in the incidence of graft thrombosis, transplantectomy, anastomotic dehiscence, or intra-abdominal abscesses. Pancreas and kidney graft survival rates were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, ED was more physiological than BD, and was associated with fewer complications.

Continuous glucose monitoring in subjects after simultaneous pancreas-kidney and kidney-alone transplantation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation is an important replacement therapy for individuals with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Kidney-alone (KA) transplantation is associated with a high incidence of post-transplant diabetes.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. We studied 48-h glucose concentrations in eight subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus after SPK transplantation, six subjects post-KA transplantation, and nine healthy controls using the CGMS (Medtronic Minimed, Northridge, CA) continuous glucose monitoring system.

RESULTS

The 48-h mean glucose concentration was 101 +/- 7 mg/dL in the SPK subjects, 105 +/- 12 mg/dL in the KA subjects, and 99 +/- 7 mg/dL in the healthy controls. The glycemic excursions were higher in the KA group compared to the SPK cohort and healthy controls (P < 0.0001). No differences in the incidence of hypoglycemia were detected among the three groups. Significant postprandial hyperglycemia was uncovered in four of the six KA subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

SPK transplantation is very effective at normalizing glycemic excursions. Unsuspected hyperglycemia was identified in the KA group. The CGMS was a useful ambulatory tool to study glucose profiles in the post-transplant period and may help uncover hyperglycemia undetected by routine laboratory testing.

Surgical techniques for pancreas transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pancreas transplantation reproducibly induces insulin independence in beta-cell penic diabetic patients. The difference between full insulin independence, partial graft function, and graft loss, mostly results from technical failure, graft rejection, and patient death with function graft. The purpose of this review is to examine recent surgical advances and discuss their contribution to improved graft function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Few actual surgical innovations were described in the period reviewed. Duodenoduodenostomy is an interesting option for drainage of digestive secretions, when the pancreas is placed behind the right colon and is oriented cephalad. The main advantage of this technique is easy endoscopic assessment of donor duodenum but, when allograft pancreatectomy is necessary, repair of native duodenum may be troublesome. Selective revascularization of the gastroduodenal artery, at the back-table, possibly improves blood supply to the head of the pancreas graft and duodenal segment. There is no proof that this additional maneuver is always beneficial, although it can be graft saving in case of poor segmental graft perfusion.

SUMMARY

Transplant surgeons should be familiar with all techniques for pancreas transplantation. Long-term graft function is possible only after technically successful pancreas transplantation. There is clearly a need for more objective assessment and standardization of surgical techniques for pancreas transplantation.

Portal and systemic venous drainage in pancreas and kidney-pancreas transplantation: early surgical complications and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the clinical evolution and surgical complications comparing pancreas transplantation with systemic-enteric (SE) drainage versus portal-enteric (PE) drainage.

METHODS

This review of 48 consecutive pancreas transplantation includes 39 simultaneous kidney and pancreas (SKP) and 9 pancreas after kidney (PAK) grafts as well as 2 retransplantations. Venous drainage was systemic (n = 29) or portal (n = 19).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient, kidney, or pancreas allograft survival rates. There were no significant differences in levels of creatinine, fasting glucose, C-peptide, cholesterol, and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) of beta cells, namely HOMA-s and HOMA-IR index. HbA1c was lower at 6 months and 1 year in the PE group (P < .05). Twenty-two patients displayed early postoperative complications at a mean time of presentation of 12.8 days. All of these patients but 2 needed relaparotomy. The other two were treated either conservatively (1 enteric fistula) or by interventional radiology (arteriovenous fistula). There were 10 graft losses, 5 in each group, due to thrombosis, pancreatitis, and enteric fistulae.

CONCLUSION

Early graft losses were related to pancreatitis and thrombosis. Intermediate-term endocrine function was similar in both groups.

Are there still roles for exocrine bladder drainage and portal venous drainage for pancreatic allografts?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Controversy remains regarding the best methodology of handling exocrine pancreatic fluid and pancreatic venous effluent. Bladder drainage has given way to enteric drainage. However, is there an instance in which bladder drainage is preferable? Also, hyperinsulinemia, as a result of systemic venous drainage (SVD), is claimed to be proatherosclerotic, whereas portal venous drainage (PVD) is more physiologic and less atherosclerotic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bladder drainage remains a viable method of exocrine pancreas drainage, but evidence is sparse that measuring urinary amylase has a substantial benefit in the early detection of acute rejection in all types of pancreas transplants. Currently, there is no incontrovertible evidence that systemic hyperinsulinemia is proatherosclerotic, whereas recent metabolic studies on SVD and PVD showed that there was no benefit to PVD.

SUMMARY

Given the advent of newer immunosuppressive agents and overall lower acute rejection rates, the perceived benefit of bladder drainage as a means to measure urinary amylase as an early marker of rejection has not been substantiated. However, there may be a selective role for bladder drainage in 'high risk' pancreases. Also, without a clear-cut metabolic benefit to PVD over SVD, it remains the surgeon's choice as to which method to use.

Postoperative infectious complications of abdominal solid organ transplantation

There is a rapidly growing population of immunocompromised organ transplant recipients. These patients are at risk of a large variety of infections that have significant consequences on mortality, graft dysfunction, and graft loss. The diagnosis and treatment of these infections are facilitated by an understanding of the preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative risk factors; the typical pathogens; and their characteristic time of presentation. On the basis of these factors, we put forth an algorithm for diagnosing and treating suspected infections in solid organ transplant recipients.

Impact of pancreatic venous drainage site on long-term patient and graft outcome in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

The impact of portal or systemic venous pancreas graft drainage on patient and graft outcome remains controversial. In the present study, the impact of venous drainage type on long-term patient and graft survival is assessed. From July 1996 to December 2002 80 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants were enrolled into a prospective study: 44 received a pancreas allograft with portal (P-SPK group) and 36 with systemic venous drainage (S-SPK group). Enteric exocrine drainage was performed in all recipients receiving the same immunosuppressive treatment. At one yr, the patient survival rates were 91.7% and 95.5% both for S-SPK and P-SPK groups, respectively; no significant difference in survival was shown at any time point of the follow-up. The one-, three-, five-, and eight-yr pancreas survival rates were 75%, 60.6%, 56.7%, and 44%, respectively in the S-SPK group compared to 88.6%, 84.1%, 78.4%, and 31.3% in the P-SPK group. The one-, three-, five-, and eight-yr kidney survival rates were 91.7%, 78.15%, 74.1%, and 57.9%, respectively in the S-SPK group compared to 93.2%, 88.6%, 78.4%, and 38.9% in the P-SPK group. Comparing the two groups, no significant difference was shown in the total number of surgical complications as well as in the number of each complication. No significant difference in long-term outcomes between the two groups was shown, even if in S-SPK group a higher incidence of pancreas graft loss has been reported and it was in part correlated to a higher number of graft thromboses.

Effects of portal versus systemic venous drainage in pancreas and kidney-pancreas transplantation

We performed a retrospective analysis to compare pancreas transplantation with systemic-enteric drainage (SE) or portal-enteric drainage (PE).

METHODS

We reviewed 38 consecutive pancreas transplants including 31 simultaneous kidney-pancreas (SKP) and 7 pancreas after kidney (PAK), using either systemic (n = 18) or portal (n = 20) venous drainage. Demographic, clinical, and immunologic variables were similar for both groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient, kidney, or pancreas allograft survival rates after a mean follow-up of 23 months (range 1-60). The mean length of hospital stay within 3 months was 34 days among the SE group versus 20 days in the PE group (P = ns). The incidences of intraabdominal infection, early relaparotomy, and acute rejection episodes were not different between groups. The blood pressure levels were similar among the SE and PE groups. There was no significant difference in creatinine, or fasting glucose, C-peptide, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels or homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) beta cell, HOMA-S, and HOMA-IR index. HbA1c was lower at 6 and 12 months in the PE group (P < .05). Mean prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil doses as well as tacrolimus levels were identical for both groups.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested sustained long-term endocrine function in both groups, showing that in the short term, portal venous drainage did not offer major metabolic or immunologic advantages compared with systemic delivery of insulin.

Impact of Portal Versus Systemic Venous Drainage on Acute Rejection of Simultaneous Pancreas−Kidney Transplantation in Pig

BACKGROUND

The immunological benefits of portal venous drainage (PVD) in pancreas transplantation remain debated clinically. We established simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) models with portal venous drainage and systemic venous drainage to compare the impact of venous drainage site on acute rejection in pig.

METHODS

Forty-eight nonrelated, first hybrid landrace pigs were divided into PE (portal-enteric drainage) and SE (systemic-enteric drainage) groups. Type I diabetes mellitus was induced by whole pancreatectomy, and right-side nephrectomy was also performed in the recipients. The donor portal vein was anastomosed to superior mesenteric vein of the recipients in PE group or to the inferior hepatic cava vena of the recipients in SE group. Graft tissue specimens were obtained with laparotomy on Day 3 and 7 after transplant, and the severity of acute rejection was scored according to Nakhleh and Banff criteria.

RESULTS

The cold ischemia time, fasting plasma glucose and urine creatinine of the 2 groups had no statistic difference between 2 groups at Day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after transplant (P>0.05). The occurrence of both pancreas and kidney acute rejections in PE group was significant later and slighter than SE group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PVD, compared with SVD, could ameliorate and delay acute rejection in pig SPK. It might become a tolerance inducing method of pancreas transplantation, decrease the cost and improve the quality of SPK, if further confirmed by clinical trials.

World's longest surviving liver-pancreas recipient

In July 1988, the liver and pancreas of a cadaveric donor were transplanted separately into a man with type 1 diabetes with end-stage chronic hepatitis B virus. Two features of the operation may help explain the patient's current status as the longest-lived liver-pancreas recipient. One was enteric drainage of pancreatic exocrine secretions. The other was delivery of the pancreas venous effluent to the host portal system and then directly to the hepatic allograft.

The long-term management of pancreas transplantation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem worldwide, which affects 18.2 million individuals (6.3% of the population) in the United States. Currently, the prevalence of Type 1 DM in the United States is estimated to be 1,000,000 individuals, and 30,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. In addition to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), DM is associated with blindness, accelerated atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, amputation, poor quality of life, and overall lifespan reduction. It accounts for more than 160,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. In 2002, the annual national direct and indirect costs of Types 1 and 2 DM exceeded $130 billion, which included hospital and physician care, laboratory tests, pharmaceutical products, and patient workdays lost because of disability or premature death. Hyperglycemia alone or in concert with hypertension is the primary factor influencing the development of major diabetic complications. From 1990 to 2001, the number of existing ESRD cases to DM increased by more than 300%, while the rate per million populations increased from 167% to 491%. The number is expected to grow 10-fold by 2030 to 1.3 million accounting for 60% of ESRD population. To date, DM is the leading indication for transplantation and is the cause of ESRD in more than 40% of all transplant recipients each year.

Outcome and morbidity of pancreas transplantation in a single Spanish institution

BACKGROUND

Pancreas transplantation is nowadays the only treatment to reestablish normal blood glucose in diabetic patients. Moreover, transplantation may also prevent and possibly even revert diabetes-related complications. We present our results with the first 4 years of a pancreas transplantation program.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2000 to June 2004, we performed 43 pancreas transplants in 42 recipients. In all cases the technique was enteric drainage of the exocrine secretions and systemic venous derivation to the inferior vena cava for endocrine secretions.

RESULTS

A simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant was performed in 37 (88.1%) patients, a pancreas after kidney in 4 (9.5%) patients, and a retransplant in 1 (2.4%) patient. Glycosylated hemoglobin and C peptide returned to normal values in all cases. Patient and graft survivals were 91% and 84%, respectively, after a median follow-up of 19 months. The rate of reoperations was 31% with an overall 16% graft loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results were comparable to those of larger series.

Trasplante de páncreas: resultados del grupo Málaga

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic transplantation is currently the only therapeutic alternative able to restore normal blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Moreover, this procedure can halt or even reverse diabetes-related complications. The aim of this study was to present our experience and the results of the first 4 years of a pancreatic transplantation program in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

From February 2000 to June 2004, 43 pancreatic transplantations were performed in 42 recipients in the Carlos Haya Regional Hospital in Malaga (Spain). In all patients, the technique of enteric drainage of exocrine pancreatic secretions and systemic venous shunting of endocrine secretions (to the inferior vena cava) was used.

RESULTS

There were 37 (88.1%) simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations, 4 (9.5%) in patients with prior kidney transplantation and 1 retransplantation (2.4%). In all patients, glycosylated hemoglobin and C-peptide levels returned to normal. Patient and pancreatic graft survival were 91% and 84%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 19 months. The reintervation rate was 31%, with an overall rate of graft loss of 16%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in our series are similar to those reported for large series.

An evidence-based analysis of simultaneous pancreas-kidney and pancreas transplantation alone

While pancreas transplantation has evolved within two decades from a frustrating and poorly-accepted therapeutic option to a highly successful procedure, the respective benefits of the successive surgical and immunosuppressive developments have remained unclear. The aim of this study was to determine using an evidence-based methodology, which novel approaches have contributed to the current results and whether pancreas transplantation is cost-effective. Out of 2481 articles, 102 analyzed either surgical or immunosuppressive aspects of pancreas transplantation. Urological complications were more frequent in bladder over enteric drainage (range: 62-63% vs. 12-20%, p = 0.0001), but without significant difference in patient or graft survival. Portal drainage was associated with a trend toward fewer complications and better hyperinsulinemia control over systemic drainage in retrospective studies. Immunosuppression combining induction therapy, a calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mophetil (MMF) and corticosteroids were associated with a 40% decreased incidence of rejection (p = 0.01) and an increase in graft survival above 90% at 1 year (p < 0.05). Pancreas transplantation is highly cost-effective compared to conservative alternatives. We conclude that despite a paucity of large studies, enteric drainage should be recommended but the benefits of portal venous drainage remain debated. Quadruple immunosuppression protocols including induction therapy should be the standard regimen.

A technique for retroperitoneal pancreas transplantation with portal-enteric drainage

BACKGROUND

Pancreas transplantation (PTx) with portal-enteric drainage (PED) has been associated with difficulties in respect to arterial anastomosis and graft accessibility for percutaneous biopsy. We describe a new technique that circumvents these difficulties.

METHODS

Between April 2001 and April 2004, a total of 113 recipients were scheduled for PTx with PED. The superior mesenteric vein was approached from the right retroperitoneal aspect instead of from the anterior transmesenteric route. The pancreas graft was eventually placed in the right retroperitoneal space, being covered by the ascending colon and its mesentery.

RESULTS

One hundred ten (97.3%) PTx were performed as planned. Systemic venous effluent was preferred in three patients because of incidental diagnosis of liver cirrhosis during surgery (n=1) and severe obesity (body mass index>35 kg/m2) (n=2). The Y iliac artery graft was kept as short as possible, and arterial anastomosis was always performed with ease. After a mean follow-up period of 21.2+/-19.9 months, the relaparotomy rate was 13.6%. No patient died after repeat surgery, and none required multiple relaparotomies. Overall, 10 grafts were lost because of acute rejection (n=3), chronic rejection (n=2), venous thrombosis (n=2), recipient death (n=2), and late (6-month) arterial thrombosis (n=1). One-year patient and graft survival were 98.1% and 90.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm that PTx with PED is not associated with an increased risk. The technique described has distinctive technical advantages and should be included in the repertoire of PTx.

Outcome of 118 Pancreas Transplants With Retroperitoneal Portal-Enteric Drainage

BACKGROUND

We have recently described a technique for retroperitoneal pancreas transplantation (RPTx) with portal-enteric drainage (PED). Further experience with 118 RPTx is detailed herein.

METHODS

Between April 2001 and August 2004, 118 patients underwent RPTx with PED among 125 recipients (94.4%) scheduled for this procedure. Surgical complications and patient and graft survivals were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

After a minimum follow-up period of 3 months (mean 27.8 +/- 13.0 months), 18 recipients (15.2%) required relaparotomy because of bleeding (n = 6; 5.1%), allograft pancreatectomy due to either hyperacute/accelerated rejection (n = 3; 2.5%) or vein thrombosis (n = 3; 2.5%), leak from duodenojejunal anastomosis (n = 2; 1.7%), bleeding and vein thrombectomy (n = 1; 0.8%), or small bowel occlusion due to bezoar (n = 1; 0.8%). One patient had a negative relaparotomy and one underwent two relaparotomies. Most patients with hemorrhage (5/7; 71.4%) were recipients of solitary pancreas grafts managed with heparin infusion. No venous thrombi extended into recipient's superior mesenteric vein. Nonocclusive venous thrombosis was diagnosed with duplex ultrasonography and confirmed at computed tomography in seven patients (5.1%). None of these patients lost graft function. Ten patients (8.5%) were diagnosed with peripancreatic fluid collections, all successfully treated by observation (n = 7) or percutaneous drainage (n = 3). Enteric bleeding occurred in eight recipients (6.8%). Overall, 1-year patient and pancreas survival rates were 97.4% and 92.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that RPTx with PED is a technical option that may be included in the repertoire of pancreas transplant surgeons.

Does surgical technique influence outcomes after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation?

Since 1995, many centers have switched from bladder to enteric drainage of the exocrine secretions in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SKPT). Enteric exocrine drainage may be performed with either systemic (systemic-enteric [S-E]) or portal (portal-enteric [P-E]) venous delivery of insulin. Controversy exists regarding the optimal surgical technique. From March 1999 to May 2001, a total of 297 SKPT patients were enrolled into a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, comparative trial of two daclizumab dosing strategies versus no-antibody induction in combination with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids in SKPT recipients. Surgical techniques were center specific. A total of 171 patients (58%) underwent SKPT with S-E drainage, 96 (32%) with P-E drainage, and 30 (10%) with systemic-bladder (S-B) drainage. The two groups randomized to daclizumab induction were similar with regard to surgical technique (64% S-E, 25% P-E, 11% S-B drainage). Demographic and transplant characteristics and immunosuppression were similar among the three groups, except that more patients with P-E drainage did not receive antibody induction. At 6 months, no differences were seen in patient and graft survival rates, surgical complications including pancreas thrombosis, rates of rejection or infection, readmissions, and kidney and pancreas allograft function among the three different surgical techniques. The 6-month results of this multicenter study suggest no significant differences in outcomes in SKPT recipients according to surgical technique.

Retroperitoneal pancreas transplantation with portal-enteric drainage

BACKGROUND

Portal-enteric drainage (PED) is the latest refinement in the surgical technique for pancreas transplantation (PTx). We herein describe the results of a modified technique for PED that places the pancreas in a totally retroperitoneal position.

METHODS

Between April 2001 and June 2003, 79 PTx were performed using a retroperitoneal PED technique.

RESULTS

No graft was lost due to surgical complications and the relaparotomy rate was 11.4%. Mean hospital stay averaged 25.9 days (+/-14.4 days) with a 30-day readmission rate of 12.7%. One graft was lost due to delayed (6 months) arterial thrombosis and three to acute rejection. The overall 1-year patient and graft survivals were 98.7% and 93.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm that PED of pancreas grafts is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Whether retroperitoneal graft placement has actual advantages over the "classical" intraperitoneal position remains to be ascertained.

Impact of portal venous pancreas graft drainage on kidney graft outcome in simultaneous pancreas-kidney recipients reported to UNOS

Clinical data on the potential immunologic impact of portal (PD) vs. systemic (SD) venous pancreas graft drainage on outcome remains controversial. We reviewed the UNOS database to study the effect of PD vs. SD on the incidence of kidney graft rejection and survival in first cadaveric simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) recipients transplanted 1994-2001. We studied three groups: all SPK (n=6629, 13% PD) (group I), SPK on tacrolimus (n=3563, 17% PD) (group II), and SPK on tacrolimus performed at centers with significant PD experience (n=948, 46% PD) (group III). The cumulative kidney graft rejection incidence for PD vs. SD was only significantly different in group I (for PD vs. SD, respectively: at 6 months, 31% vs. 36% [p=0.015]; at 1 year, 37% vs. 43% [p=0.006]). Kidney graft survival was similar in all groups for PD vs. SD. Multivariate analysis of group III showed only transplantation during the earlier era (1994-96), but not SD, to be an independent risk factor for kidney graft rejection. Portal venous pancreas graft drainage does not affect kidney graft rejection and survival in SPK recipients on tacrolimus. Our data suggests that the efficacy of current immunosuppressive protocols and increasing center experience are clinically much more relevant than any potential immunologic advantage of portal venous drainage in SPK recipients.

Long-term experience with simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation with portal-enteric drainage and tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppression

Refinements in surgical techniques and advances in clinical immunosuppression have led to steadily improving results in pancreas transplantation (PTX). Although there is renewed interest in enteric exocrine drainage, most PTXs are performed with systemic venous delivery of insulin. To improve the physiology of PTX, we developed a novel technique of portal venous delivery of insulin and enteric drainage of the exocrine secretions (portal-enteric [P-E]). The purpose of the study was to analyse outcomes in patients undergoing PTX with P-E drainage and contemporary immunosuppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 1997 through September 2002, we performed 67 primary simultaneous kidney-PTXs (SKPT) with P-E drainage. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids. No antibody induction therapy occurred in 33 patients (49%) with the remainder receiving daclizumab (n = 15), basiliximab (n = 2), or thymoglobulin (n = 14) induction therapy. The patient group included 38 males and 29 females with a mean age of 39.7 year (range 23-58) and a mean duration of pretransplant diabetes of 24.5 year (9-46). Fourteen patients (21%) were African-American.

RESULTS

The mean waiting time for SKPT was 3.3 months (range 0.1-10). Mean kidney and pancreas cold ischaemia times were 15.1 and 15.4 h, respectively. Patient, kidney and pancreas graft survival rates were 97%, 92.5% and 82%, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 20 months (range 1-56). Two deaths (one sepsis, one cardiac event) occurred at 1 month after SKPT; both patients died with functioning grafts (DWFG). Three patients (4.5%) had delayed renal allograft function and received temporary dialysis after SKPT. Five kidney graft losses occurred (two DWFG, one thrombosis, two chronic rejection). All but four patients (6%) had immediate PTX function. A total of 12 pancreas graft losses occurred (two DWFG, five thrombosis, five chronic rejection). The incidence of acute rejection was 28%, but no grafts were lost due to isolated acute rejection. The incidence of major infection was 51%, but only five patients (7.5%) developed cytomegalovirus infection. A total of 19 patients (28%) underwent early relaparotomy within 3 months of SKPT. The composite endpoint of no rejection, graft loss, or mortality was attained by 63% of patients. At present, 58 patients (87%) are both dialysis and insulin-independent (including four retransplants).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that SKPT with P-E drainage and contemporary immunosuppression may result in excellent intermediate-term outcomes.

Value of donor swabs for intra-abdominal infection in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) has a higher rate of surgical complications compared with other whole organ transplantations. Graft thrombosis and intra-abdominal infections are the most frequent causes for relaparotomy. We evaluated risk factors for abdominal infections after SPK, with emphasis on the value of the routinely taken intraoperative swabs.

METHODS

Between June 1994 and December 2000, 177 SPK were performed. Immunosuppression consisted of antithymocyte globulin induction and triple-drug maintenance therapy. Routine swabs were taken from the graft perfusion solutions, from the donors' duodenum, and from the recipients' bladder and jejunum (in case of enteric drainage).

RESULTS

A total of 19 (10.7%) of 177 patients underwent 41 relaparotomies as a result of intra-abdominal infections. Positive microbial results from any donor site and positive duodenal swabs were significant risk factors for intra-abdominal infections after SPK (P=0.01, P=0.02). There was a significantly higher incidence of abdominal infections when Candida was found in the donor duodenal swab (P=0.0048). Patient survival was significantly lower in cases with abdominal infection (P=0.02). Survival rates of patients with and without abdominal infection were 89.5% and 97.4% at 1 year and 72.3% and 92.8% at 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm that abdominal infections significantly reduce patient survival and thus jeopardize the success of SPK. Positive donor duodenal swabs have been revealed to be a significant risk factor for a subsequent intra-abdominal infection, especially when Candida was found.

Portal versus systemic drainage of small bowel allografts: comparative assessment of survival, function, rejection, and bacterial translocation

BACKGROUND

Portal venous drainage of small bowel grafts is theoretically more physiologic than systemic drainage, but is technically more demanding. Comparisons in animal models have not demonstrated a clear advantage of one technique over the other, but clinical data are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical records of 36 patients who underwent 37 small bowel transplantation procedures from January 1995 to August 2001 were reviewed. Portal drainage was performed in 19 patients (PD group). Systemic drainage was performed in 18 patients (SD group). Median followup was 531 days.

RESULTS

PD and SD patients had similar ICU stays (median 7 versus 9 days) and endotracheal intubation durations (median 3 versus 5 days). All current survivors, with the exception of one patient in each group, are independent from parenteral nutrition. Liver function tests were similar in both groups. There was a twofold increase in tacrolimus dosage in the PD group to achieve similar trough levels indicating a "first-pass" hepatic clearance effect. Cumulative incidence of acute rejection episodes and OKT3-requiring rejection episodes were similar in both groups. To the contrary, a lower incidence of gram-negative rods of Enterococcus sp. in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage suggested that the clearance of translocated intestinal bacteria was more efficient in the PD group. Graft and patient survival rates were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic venous drainage of small bowel transplants is a dependable technique, associated with similar results as portal venous drainage, in terms of overall mortality, morbidity, rejection, function, and patient and graft survival. But attention should be paid to an impaired clearance of intestinal bacterial translocation after systemic drainage.

Islet/pancreas transplantation: challenges for pediatrics

Beta cell replacement is a valid alternative to exogenous insulin injections to treat type 1 diabetic patients. The rate of success obtained after whole-pancreas transplantation, performed alone or in combination with kidney, and, as shown recently, by islet transplantation, justifies optimism and sets the stage for a larger clinical application of these approaches. Lifetime immunosuppression, however, required to protect the graft against recurrent autoimmune destruction and allorejection, raises serious doubts about the safety of its employment in children. While it is evident that children may be helped even more than adults by the possibility to correct diabetic metabolic disorders without exogenous insulin, and to lower in a more effective way the chance to develop secondary complications, the drawbacks of the currently used immunosuppressive drugs largely overcome the potential benefits. A great step forward for immediate applicability of transplantation to children involves the optimization of tolerogenic protocols and a better understanding of the concept of immune ignorance. Functional tolerance should be sufficient to entail the absence of immune reactivity against self- and graft antigens, while maintaining immune reactivity against other non-self, non-donor antigens. In addition, novel strategies aimed at utilizing surrogate beta cells obtained from non-islet cells, or by genetic manipulation of beta-cell precursors merit consideration as the use of xenogeneic donors. However, much work is still needed for their safe clinical implementation.

Pancreas and islet cell transplantation

Currently, for the patient with type 1 diabetes, a definitive treatment without resorting to the use of exogenous insulin can be achieved only with pancreas or islet cell transplantation. These means of restoring beta-cell mass can completely maintain essentially normal long-term glucose homeostasis, although the need for powerful immunosuppressive regimens limits their application to only a subgroup of adult patients. Apart from the shortage of donors that has limited all kinds of transplantation, however, the widespread use of beta-cell replacement has been precluded until recently by the drawbacks associated with both organ and islet cell transplantation. Although the study of recurrence of diabetes has generated attention, the fundamental obstacle to pancreas and islet transplantation has been, and remains, the alloimmune response. With a better elucidation of the mechanisms of alloengraftment achieved during the last 3 years, the stage has been set for further advances.