Gastrointestinal symptoms before and after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: the role of pancreatic enzyme dosing and adherence

Challenges of Managing Type 3c Diabetes in the Context of Pancreatic Resection, Cancer and Trauma

Type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM), also known as pancreatogenic or pancreoprivic diabetes, is a specific type of DM that often develops as a result of diseases affecting the exocrine pancreas, exhibiting an array of hormonal and metabolic characteristics. Several pancreatic exocrine diseases and surgical procedures may cause T3cDM. Diagnosing T3cDM remains difficult as the disease characteristics frequently overlap with clinical presentations of type 1 DM (T1DM) or type 2 DM (T2DM). Managing T3cDM is likewise challenging due to numerous confounding metabolic dysfunctions, including pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies and poor nutritional status. Treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is of paramount importance when managing patients with T3cDM. This review aims to consolidate the latest information on surgical etiologies of T3cDM, focusing on partial pancreatic resections, total pancreatectomy, pancreatic cancer and trauma.

Nutrition support in the pediatric total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation recipient

For children with diminished quality of life and chronic pain caused by acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, postoperative nutrition support has several unique characteristics. Surgical complications may lead to delays in nutrition support initiation or require modifications to the regimen. Early postoperative dysmotility requires the use of temporary enteral nutrition until this improves. The resultant complete exocrine pancreatic insufficiency necessitates lifelong pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and fat-soluble vitamin supplementation. A low-oxalate diet is recommended to prevent kidney stones. Carbohydrate counting is needed for the provision of short-term insulin dosing and possibly long-term as well, depending on the transplanted islet yield. Children should have careful nutrition assessment and monitoring at several follow-up visits during the first year, then annually, and at any time with concerns.

Adherence to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy among patients with chronic pancreatitis in East China: a mixed methods study

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) has been recommended as the preferred method for pancreatic exocrine insufficiency caused by chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, at present, the patient-related factors for the poor PERT management are not clear, and there are no studies on the adherence to PERT in patients with CP in East China. This was a mixed-method study following the principle of sequential explanatory design and included two parts: a quantitative and qualitative study. A cross-sectional survey of medication adherence (MA) was first carried out, followed by a semi-structured interview to further explore and explain the influencing factors of adherence to PERT. Of the 148 patients included in this study, 48.0% had poor MA and only 12.8% had good MA. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lower levels of education and income were contributing factors for non-adherence to PERT. Semi-structured interviews with 24 patients revealed that the reasons for non-adherence also included lack of knowledge, self-adjustment of PERT, lifetime of medication, side effects of PERT, forgetfulness, financial burdens, and accessibility issues. The adherence to PERT was poor among patients with CP in East China. Healthcare providers should personalize medication strategies to improve patients' MA.

Improved Quality of Life Among Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation-Single Center Experience With Large Cohort of Patients

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is the treatment of choice to preserve pancreatic endocrine function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life (QoL) when other strategies are ineffective for chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. This study utilized pancreatic disease-specific surveys developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) to conduct a comprehensive, single-center examination of a large cohort of patients to gain understanding of QoL post-TPIAT. Two validated QoL surveys of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PAN26-were administered in a prospective cohort of CP patients during pre-and post-operative scheduled visits. A total of 116 patients responded to the preoperative survey and were included in this study. The global health scale of QLQ-C30 was significantly improved after TPIAT when compared to baseline with delta scores of 24.26, 20.54, and 26.7 at 1, 2, and 3 years post-TPIAT (p < 0.001). The EORTC-PAN26 revealed significant improvements in symptom scales for pancreatic pain, bloating, digestive symptoms, taste, indigestion, weight loss, body image, and future worries. The comprehensive surveys in such a large cohort expands the QoL criterion in CP patients and indicates significant improvement in QoL post-TPIAT, further validating TPIAT as a treatment option for refractory CP.

Pharmacological management of patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with auto-islet transplantation

Chronic pancreatitis results in permanent parenchymal destruction of the pancreas gland leading to anatomical and physiological consequences for patients. Surgical management varies, and some patients require total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation (TPIAT). Patients undergoing TPIAT require complex and diligent management after surgery. This encompasses the management of glucose control (endocrine function of the pancreas) and supplementing loss of exocrine function of the pancreas with digestive enzymes. Other areas of management include optimizing pain relief while reducing narcotic usage, providing antimicrobial prophylaxis, and reducing loss of islet cells by improving its integrity through anticoagulation and use of anti-inflammatory agents. Each aspect of care is unique to this population. However, comprehensive reviews on its pharmacological management are scarce. This review will discuss the available literature to date surrounding all aspects of pharmacological management of patients undergoing TPIAT.

The Role of Surgical Management in Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper From the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is rare in childhood but impactful because of its high disease burden. There is limited literature regarding the management of CP in children, specifically about the various surgical approaches. Herein, we summarize the current pediatric and adult literature and provide recommendations for the surgical management of CP in children.

METHODS

The literature review was performed to include the scope of the problem, indications for operation, conventional surgical options as well as total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, and outcomes following operations for CP.

RESULTS

Surgery is indicated for children with debilitating CP who have failed maximal medical and endoscopic interventions. Surgical management must be tailored to the patient's unique needs, considering the anatomy and morphology of their disease. A conventional surgical approach (eg, drainage operation, partial resection, combination drainage-resection) may be considered in the presence of significant and uniform pancreatic duct dilation or an inflammatory head mass. Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation is the best surgical option in patients with small duct disease. The presence of genetic risk factors often portends a suboptimal outcome following a conventional operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The morphology of disease and the presence of genetic risk factors must be considered while determining the optimal surgical approach for children with CP. Surgical outcomes for CP are variable and depend on the type of intervention. A multidisciplinary team approach is needed to assure that the best possible operation is selected for each patient, their recovery is optimized, and their immediate and long-term postoperative needs are well-met.

Pancreatogenic Diabetes in Children With Recurrent Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Risks, Screening, and Treatment (Mini-Review)

Up to 9% of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis have pancreatogenic diabetes mellitus (DM), and this risk likely increases as they age into adulthood. Risk factors for pancreatogenic DM in children vary depending on the clinical cohort but may include pancreatic atrophy, exocrine insufficiency, pancreatic calcifications, obesity/metabolic syndrome features, or autoimmune diseases. Knowledge regarding disease pathology is extrapolated nearly entirely from studies in adults. Insulin deficiency is the primary defect, resulting from islet loss associated with pancreatic fibrosis and cytokine-mediated β-cell dysfunction. Beta cell autoimmunity (type 1 diabetes) should also be considered as markers for this have been identified in a small subset of children with pancreatogenic DM. Hepatic insulin resistance, a deficient pancreatic polypeptide state, and dysfunctional incretin hormone response to a meal are all potential contributors in adults with pancreatogenic DM but their significance in pediatrics is yet unknown. Current guidelines recommend yearly screening for diabetes with fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Insulin in the first-line pharmacologic therapy for treatment of pancreatogenic DM in children. Involvement of a multidisciplinary team including a pediatric endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, and dietitian are important, and nutritional health and exocrine insufficiency must also be addressed for optimal DM management.

Reduced bone mineral density in the first year after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The effect of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with CP is unknown. We aimed to assess bone health in patients with CP after TPIAT.

METHODS

We measured BMD, BMD Z-score, and bone mineral content (BMC) for total body, lumbar spine, right and left hip in 78 patients before and after TPIAT using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, n = 78 pre-TPIAT, n = 65 paired pre- and 12 months post-TPIAT, n = 33 paired 12 and 18 months post-TPIAT), and tested for association with clinical history including age, smoking status, and medications using paired and two-sample t-tests, linear regression, and Fisher's exact test. Laboratory measures related to bone health were also assessed.

RESULTS

In the patients with pre-TPIAT DXA, 12% had low BMD (Z-score ≤ -2). BMD, BMD Z-score, and BMC all decreased from pre-to 12 months post-TPIAT. BMD declined by 1.7%-4.1% with the greatest change at the hips. Adjusted for change in lean and fat body mass, DXA changes remained significant for total body and hip. Serum carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks telopeptide and alkaline phosphatase increased at 12 months post-TPIAT, suggesting possible increased bone remodeling. BMD, BMD Z-score, and BMC did not change between 12 months and 18 months in any of the four regions (p > 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

TPIAT is associated with decreases in BMD in the body, lumbar, and hip regions of patients with CP in the first year after TPIAT but these appear to stabilize between 12 and 18 months after TPIAT.

Complications of chronic pancreatitis in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In children, chronic pancreatitis is infrequent but may be associated with serious complications, including severe pain that limits activities, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and malnutrition. Investigation into pediatric chronic pancreatitis has transitioned from single center reports to multicenter, protocol-driven studies. As a result, we now have information on much larger numbers of children with chronic pancreatitis, allowing a more reliable understanding of the complications of chronic pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

A high percentage of children with chronic pancreatitis use opioids frequently to control pain. About a quarter of children with chronic pancreatitis have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and about 6% have pancreatogenic diabetes. Mild malnutrition and low bone density are both common in children with chronic pancreatitis.

SUMMARY

Large multicenter and single-center observational studies have allowed us to more accurately assess complications of chronic pancreatitis in children. These studies demonstrate the need for examination of therapies for these complications in children.

Medical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: A Position Paper by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Pancreas Committee

ABSTRACT

This position paper summarizes the current understanding of the medical management of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children in light of the existing medical literature, incorporating recent advances in understanding of nutrition, pain, lifestyle considerations, and sequelae of CP. This article complements and is intended to integrate with parallel position papers on endoscopic and surgical aspects of CP in children. Concepts and controversies related to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), the use of antioxidants and other CP medical therapies are also reviewed. Highlights include inclusion of tools for medical decision-making for PERT, CP-related diabetes, and multimodal pain management (including an analgesia ladder). Gaps in our understanding of CP in children and avenues for further investigations are also reviewed.

Body Composition is Associated With Islet Function After Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation for Pancreatitis

CONTEXT

Body composition in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) has never been studied.

OBJECTIVE

Determine whether presurgical body composition is associated with islet function and insulin sensitivity after TPIAT.

METHODS

In 88 adults undergoing TPIAT (median age 41.0 years, IQR 32.8-48.0), beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity were assessed using mixed meal tolerance test and frequent sample intravenous glucose tolerance test before surgery and 12 and 18 months afterward. Body composition was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Analyses used linear and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Before surgery, 8 individuals (9.1%) were underweight, 40 (45.5%) normal weight, 20 (22.7%) overweight, and 20 (22.7%) obese. Overweight/obese patients had higher area under the curve C-peptide and lower insulin sensitivity index. Baseline body weight was positively associated with first-phase insulin secretion (AIRg) at 12 months (average 38.5 [SE 17.1] mU/L/min higher per extra kg; P = 0.03) and 18 months (38.3 [18.5]; P = 0.04), while baseline lean mass was inversely associated with AIRg at 12 months (-0.05 [0.02] per extra kg; P = 0.01) and 18 months (-0.05 [0.02]; P = 0.03). Percent gynoid fat was inversely associated with disposition index at 18 months (-206.0 [97.2] per extra percent; P = 0.04). Percent body fat and percent gynoid fat were associated with glucose effectiveness index at 18 months (1.9 × 10-3 [0.9 × 10-3] per extra percent; P = 0.04 and -1.96 × 10-3 [0.8 × 10-3]; P = 0.02, respectively). Insulin independence was not significantly associated with body weight or composition.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of these chronic pancreatitis patients were overweight/obese; underweight was uncommon. Preoperative body weight and composition were associated with islet function but not insulin independence after TPIAT.

Fat-soluble Vitamin Deficiency is Common in Children With Chronic Pancreatitis Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation

The prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin (FSV) deficiency in children undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP) is unknown. We quantified FSV deficiency in 100 children (age ≤18) undergoing TPIAT. FSV levels (vitamins A, E, D) and clinical history were abstracted from medical records. Vitamin A was low in 4% before and 7% at 1 year after TPIAT, vitamin E in 17% and 18%, and vitamin D in 22% and 24%, respectively, regardless of pancreatic enzyme or vitamin supplement dosing. Longer duration of CP was associated with pre-TPIAT vitamin D insufficiency (P = 0.0002). This remained significant in a multivariate regression model (adjusted P = 0.01). On multivariate analysis, there were no significant predictors of low FSV levels post-TPIAT. FSV deficiencies are common among children undergoing TPIAT and patients who have had longer disease duration may be at increased risk. All children should be monitored for FSV deficiency after TPIAT.

Pancreatectomy, Islet Cell Transplantation, and Nutrition Considerations

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a reliable approach for treating insulin-deficient diabetes. This established β-cell replacement approach has shown considerable improvements in the last 2 decades. It has helped achieve metabolic homeostasis and safe outcomes for a subset of patients with type 1 diabetes and severe pancreatitis. Nutrition support, until recently, was considered as a secondary factor, merely identified as a means of providing all the necessary nutrients for such patients. However, new literature suggests that several factors, such as the route, timing, quantity, and composition of all the nutrients administered, have key disease-altering properties and are vital during the perioperative management of such patients. This review will highlight the benefits of performing the clinical islet transplantation on a subgroup of patients with type 1 diabetes and pancreatitis and summarize new data that identify the pivotal role of nutrition support as a critical intervention in their management.

Islet cell transplantation in children

This paper aims to provide an overview of islet cell transplantation in children, with specific attention to pediatric total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). We will summarize the definition and causes of chronic pancreatitis in children, the TPIAT procedure and potential complications, the process of islet cell isolation and autotransplantation, and long-term results after TPIAT. Lastly, we will briefly discuss islet cell allotransplantation in the adult population and its potential role in treating children.

Total Pancreatectomy: Indications, Advantages and Disadvantages - A Review

Background: Total pancreatectomy is an obligatory surgical procedure in locally advanced or centrally located pancreatic neoplasms to achieve complete tumour clearance. Owing to sound understanding of tumour biology and evolution in intervention technique and improved postoperative care, nowadays the indications of total pancreatectomy have taken a significant change. Aim: To review the indications of total pancreatectomy and its advantages and disadvantages under current perspectives. Method: Major databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies of total pancreatectomy and the results reported by various authors were summarized. Results: The indications of total pancreatectomy in subjects diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis were classified into four subgroups, including "Tumour", "Trouble", "Technical difficulties" and "Therapy-refractory pain". Today, total pancreatectomy has more specific and different indications than before. Currently, IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) seems to have the most essential indication quantitatively. Morbidity and mortality related to total pancreatectomy are more profoundly decreased than before due to improvements in the operative techniques and post-operative managements. Some of the metabolic disorders are reported as major disadvantages of total pancreatectomy. Conclusion: Despite the disadvantages of total pancreatectomy, it remains an inevitable procedure for subjects with chronic pancreatitis, improvements in operative techniques and postoperative management ensuring long-term survival, a better quality of life, and diminished mortality and morbidity rates.

Neuronal Transforming Growth Factor beta Signaling via SMAD3 Contributes to Pain in Animal Models of Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, associated with increased pancreatic expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGFB). It is not clear how these might contribute to pain. We investigated whether TGFB signaling via SMAD induces sensitization of pancreatic sensory neurons to increase nociception.

METHODS

CP was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by infusion of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid; some rats were given intrathecal infusions of TGFB1. CP was induced in control mice by administration of cerulein; we also studied β1glo/Ptf1acre-ER mice, which on induction overexpress TGFB1 in pancreatic acinar cells, and TGFBr1^{f/f-CGRPcreER} mice, which have inducible disruption of TGFBr1 in calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive neurons. Dominant negative forms of human TGFBR2 and SMAD3 were overexpressed from viral vectors in rat pancreas. Some rats were given the SMAD3 inhibitors SIS3 or halofuginone. After induction of CP, mice were analyzed for pain in behavior tests or electrophysiologic studies of sensory neurons. Pancreatic nociceptor excitability was examined by patch-clamp techniques and nociception was measured by Von Frey Filament tests for referred somatic hyperalgesia and behavioral responses to pancreatic electrical stimulation. Pancreata were collected from mice and rats and analyzed histologically and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Overexpression of TGFB in pancreatic acinar cells of mice and infusion of TGFB1 into rats resulted in sensory neuron hyperexcitability, SMAD3 activation, and increased nociception. This was accompanied by a reduction in the transient A-type current in pancreas-specific sensory neurons in rats, a characteristic of nociceptive sensitization in animal models of CP. Conversely, pancreata from TGFBr1^{f/f-CGRPcreER} mice, rats with pancreatic expression of dominant negative forms of human TGFBR2 or SMAD3, and rats given small molecule inhibitors of SMAD3 had attenuated neuronal sensitization and pain behavior following induction of CP. In contrast to findings from peripheral administration of TGFB1, intrathecal infusion of TGFB1 reduced hyperalgesia in rats with CP.

CONCLUSIONS

In pancreata of mice and rats, TGFB promotes peripheral nociceptive sensitization via a direct effect on primary sensory neurons mediated by intra-neuronal SMAD3. This is distinct from the central nervous system, where TGFB reduces nociception. These results provide an explanation for the link between fibrosis and pain in patients with CP. This signaling pathway might be targeted therapeutically to reduce pain in patients with CP.

Impact of Treatments on Diabetic Control and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Total Pancreatectomy

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare the safety, efficacy, and patients' quality of life with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple daily injections (MDIs) in type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM) following total pancreatectomy (TP) and pancreatic enzyme usage.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with T3cDM (18 CSII patients vs 21 MDI patients) who underwent TP between 2000 and 2016 at 3 Harvard-affiliated hospitals and the University of Minnesota returned prospectively obtained questionnaires examining quality of life and both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions.

RESULTS

Main indications for TP were as follows: chronic pancreatitis (n = 19), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 12), and adenocarcinoma (n = 4). Median hemoglobin A1c using MDIs was 8.1% versus 7.3% in CSII. Severe hypoglycemic events using MDIs were increased compared with CSII (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in quality-of-life measures with CSII versus MDIs. Pancreatic enzyme dose per meal (P < 0.05) differed between the hospitals. Gastrointestinal symptoms and unintended weight loss (P < 0.01) were more common with low doses of pancreatic enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

After TP, CSII therapy is safe compared with MDIs in T3cDM and not associated with an increase in severe hypoglycemic events. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is highly variable with low doses associated with unintentional weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation for Acute Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The first total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) was performed for chronic pancreatitis in 1977 with the goal to ameliorate the pain and simultaneously preserve islet function. We reviewed the recent medical literature regarding indications, patient suitability, current outcomes, and challenges in TP-IAT.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current indications for TP-IAT include intractable pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP) or acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) with failed medical and endoscopic/surgical management. Independent studies have shown that TP-IAT is associated with elimination or significant improvement in pain control and partial or full islet graft function in the majority of patients. In single-center cost analyses, TP-IAT has been suggested to be more cost-effective than medical management of chronic pancreatitis. While initially introduced as a surgical option for adults with long-standing chronic pancreatitis, TP-IAT is now often utilized in children with chronic pancreatitis and in children and adults with intractable acute recurrent pancreatitis. The surgical procedure has evolved over time with some centers offering minimally invasive operative options, although the open approach remains the standard. Despite many advances in TP-IAT, there is a need for further research and development in disease diagnosis, patient selection, optimization of surgical technique, islet isolation and quality assessment, postoperative patient management, and establishment of uniform metrics for data collection and multicenter studies. TP-IAT is an option for patients with otherwise intractable acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis which presents potential for pain relief and improved quality of life, often with partial or complete diabetes remission.

Pediatric pancreas transplantation, including total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation

Unlike other solid-organ transplants, whole pancreas transplantation in children is relatively rare, and it occurs more frequently in the context of multivisceral or composite organ transplantation. Because children only infrequently suffer severe sequelae of type 1 diabetes mellitus, pancreas transplantation is rarely indicated in the pediatric population. More commonly, pediatric pancreas transplant occurs in the setting of incapacitating acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis, specifically islet autotransplantation after total pancreatectomy. In this clinical scenario, total pancreatectomy removes the nidus of chronic pain and debilitation, while autologous islet transplantation aims to preserve endocrine function. The published experiences with pediatric total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) in children has demonstrated excellent outcomes including liberation from chronic opioid use, as well as improved mental and physical quality of life with good glycemic control. Given the complexity of the operation, risk of postoperative complication, and long-term physiologic changes, appropriate patient selection and comprehensive multidisciplinary care teams are critical to ensuring optimal outcomes.

Early Experience with Laparoscopic Frey Procedure for Chronic Pancreatitis: a Case Series and Review of Literature

The Frey procedure has been demonstrated to be an effective surgical technique to treat patients with painful large duct chronic pancreatitis. More commonly reported as an open procedure, we report our experience with a minimally invasive approach to the Frey procedure. Four consecutive patients underwent a laparoscopic Frey procedure at our institution from January 2012 to July 2015. We herein report our technique and describe short- and medium-term outcomes. The median age was 40 years old. The median duration of pancreatic pain prior to surgery was 12 years. Median operative time and intraoperative blood loss was 130 min (100-160 min) and 60 mL (50-100 mL), respectively. The median length of stay was 7 days (3-40 days) and median follow-up was 26 months (12-30 months). There was one major postoperative complication requiring reoperation. Within 6 months, in all four patients, frequency of pain and analgesic requirement reduced significantly. Two patients appeared to have resolution of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The Frey procedure is possible laparoscopically with acceptable short- and medium-term outcomes in well-selected patients.

Chronic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility and Pain Following Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and impact of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility following total pancreactectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) for chronic pancreatitis is not known.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent TP-IAT at our institution from August 2011 to November 2015 was undertaken. The GCSI (Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index), PAGI-SYM (Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index), PAC-SYM (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms), Bristol stool chart, 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale for pain were administered ≥4 weeks following TP-IAT.

KEY RESULTS

The prevalence of any dysmotility symptoms in patients who completed the survey (33/45, 73%) post-TP-IAT was 45%. Post-TP-IAT, the mean reduction in opioid dosing was 77.6 oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) (95% CI 32.1-123.0, p = 0.002) with 42% of patients requiring no opioids. There was significant negative correlation between dysmotility scores and SF-12 physical scores (r = -0.46, p = 0.008, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.13). Self-reported abdominal pain had significant negative correlation with both physical and mental SF-12 scores (r = -0.67, p < 0.001, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.41 and r = -0.39, p = 0.03, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.04). There was no correlation between gastrointestinal dysmotility and self-reported pain.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility and chronic abdominal pain are common post-TP-IAT and will need to be better recognized and differentiated to improve the management of these patients.

Pediatric Autologous Islet Transplantation

A total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant (TPIAT) offers substantial pain relief and improved quality of life for children who are severely affected by chronic or recurrent acute pancreatitis and for whom the usual medical and endoscopic therapies have failed. The pancreas is entirely resected, and the pancreatic islets are isolated from the pancreas and infused back into the patient's liver. Because this is an autologous transplant, no immunosuppression is required. Over several months, the islets engraft in the liver; the patient is then slowly weaned off insulin therapy. Slightly more than 40 % of patients become and remain insulin independent, yet even among patients who remain on insulin, most have some islet function, permitting easier diabetes control. The majority of patients experience pain relief, with significant improvements in health-related quality of life. A TPIAT should be considered for children who are significantly disabled by chronic pancreatitis.