Percutaneous autologous pancreatic islet cell transplantation for traumatic pancreatic injury.

CONTEXT

Traumatic pancreatic injury with pancreatic duct disruption is surgically managed with at least a partial pancreatectomy, often leading to poor blood glucose control and the subsequent development of diabetes mellitus. Autologous β-islet cell transplantation may therefore help to preserve pancreatic endocrine function.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe 3 patients with pancreatic duct disruption from traumatic pancreatic injury who were treated with a partial pancreatectomy followed by autologous β-islet cell transplantation via a percutaneous transhepatic approach. Immediately after trauma, 2 of the 3 patients had difficulty with glucose control that resolved after autologous β-islet cell transplantation. At follow-up, all patients remained normoglycemic.

CONCLUSION

In patients requiring partial pancreatectomy after pancreatic trauma, percutaneous transhepatic autologous β-islet cell transplantation should be considered to minimize the risk of development of diabetes mellitus.