immunology allergic disorders
Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation
Introduction
Islet cell transplantation (into the recipient's liver) has theoretical advantages over pancreas transplantation; the most important is that the procedure is less invasive. A secondary advantage is that islet cell transplantation appears to help maintain normoglycemia in patients who require total pancreatectomy for pain due to chronic pancreatitis. Nevertheless, the procedure remains developmental, although steady improvements appear to be occurring. Its disadvantages are that transplantedglucagon-secreting alpha cells are nonfunctional (possibly complicating hypoglycemia) and several pancreata are usually required for a single islet cell recipient (exacerbating disparities between graft supply and demand and limiting use of the procedure). Indications are the same as those for Pancreas Transplantation : type 1 diabetes with renal failure who are thus also candidates for (See also Overview of Transplantation .) 