Pancreas surgical complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Whole organ pancreas transplantation is the most durable cure for type 1 diabetes. Many advances have occurred that allow for long-term freedom from insulin and abrogation of the secondary complications of diabetes. However, pancreas allograft survival is dependant upon excellent technical success in the first month following transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is clear that prevention of surgical complications has implications not only for graft and patient survival but also significantly impacts the financial impact following transplantation. Although complications can occur, early appropriate management can limit morbidity. In addition, when pancreas and kidney transplantation occur simultaneously, delayed treatment of pancreas complications can lead to kidney allograft loss.

SUMMARY

This review concentrates on the diagnosis and management of early surgical complications following pancreas transplantation. The financial implications of surgical outcomes in pancreas transplantation are also discussed.