Human islet autotransplantation to prevent diabetes after pancreas resection.

In severe cases of chronic pancreatitis pain relief can often only be achieved by pancreas resection, however this may render the patient diabetic. In an effort to prevent diabetes some patients may be suitable for a simultaneous islet autotransplant. The last report from the International Islet Transplant Registry has reported 222 cases. This review discusses the current progress in human islet autotransplantation.