A critique of pancreas transplantation.

There are three possible indications for pancreas transplantation 1. to correct the diabetic state; 2. to cure or ameliorate the complications of diabetes or to delay or diminish their deterioration; 3. to prevent the complications. The diabetes we are considering here is type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes, a disorder in which there is more or less complete insulin deficiency. No one has suggested pancreas transplantation for type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes. This article questions the rationale of pancreas transplantation. It maintains that the value of the procedure has not been established.