Preservation of Pancreas Grafts

The purpose of this study was to consider whether pancreas transplantation without perfusion is reliable. Two groups of dogs were studied. The control group consisted of 23 cases of pancreas transplantation with perfusion. In the experimental group, 25 heterotopic segmental pancreas autotransplantations were performed under hypothermic and systemically heparinized conditions (no flushed grafts). Segmental pancreases were placed into the peritoneal cavity with vascular anastomoses to the right iliac vessels and open ducts. The utilized operative method was that described by Kyriakides and modified by others. Post-operation, fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were measured, and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) were performed periodically. The morphological manifestations of grafts were observed under light and electron microscopies.