Application of an artificial endocrine pancreas in the management of the diabetic surgical patient.

Application of the artificial endocrine pancreas in 12 patients undergoing total duodenopancreatectomy and 3 diabetics in whom different operations were performed proved to be safe for the patients with respect to blood glucose control and prevention of ketosis. In the postoperative period, essentially normal blood glucose values were obtained despite high caloric parenteral nutrition.