Importance of technical aspects in the beginnings of a pancreas transplantation program

Transplant Proc. 2010 Jan-Feb;42(1):317-8. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.12.001.

Abstract

Pancreas and kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and terminal renal insufficiency. Herein we have presented a series of 35 patients transplanted between 2002 and 2009 including periods before and after 2007 divided based on introduction of some technical aspects. In the first phase (learning period) we have noted complications related to pancreatic surgery with a morbidity among 12 of 18 patients (66.6%). In the second period (stabilization period), complications appeared in 6 out of 17 patients (35.2%; P < .028). The reoperation rate was 83.3% in the learning period and 23.5% in the stabilization period (P < .03). Seven transplantectomies were performed in the first period (P < .004). Five patients died, all of them in the learning group (P < .019). Changes in the technical aspects of the procedure were responsible for improved outcomes obtained among pancreas and kidney transplantations.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / surgery
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / surgery
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Kidney Transplantation / methods*
  • Length of Stay
  • Organ Preservation Solutions
  • Pancreas Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Pancreas Transplantation / methods*
  • Pancreas Transplantation / mortality
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / mortality
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Organ Preservation Solutions