ABSTRACT
Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation, (TPIAT) is a complex surgical procedure for recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis, which can eliminate the risk of pancreatitis for pancreatic cancer and reduce the threat of severe diabetes mellitus. An increa-sing number of centers, here in the United States and internationally, are performing TPIAT and studies emerging from multiple centers highlight the benefits and persistent challenges of TPIAT for RAP and chronic pancreatitis. However, clear guidance on indications, contraindications, evaluation, timing of treatment and follow-up is lacking. The author reviews the history of TPIAT, and discusses the current state of TPIAT including indications of treatment, preoperative evaluations, surgical method, islet isolation and portal vein infusion, and postoperative management and a single center′s experience in TPIAT. A multiple center study with large numbers of patients will be critical to optimizing the successful application of this procedure.