Vascularized pancreas transplantation in the rat--details of the microsurgical techniques, results, and complications.

A detailed survey of the microsurgical techniques of vascularized pancreas transplantation in streptozotocin-diabetic rats is presented, based on the experience of 1450 transplants. Various techniques were employed to manage exocrine graft secretion. These included enteric, urinary, and free intraperitoneal drainage, as well as duct ligation and obstruction. In addition to general complications, such as anesthetic deaths, afterbleeding, and infection, a number of specific surgical complications, including graft pancreatitis, acute venous thrombosis, and hypoglycemia, occurred. The overall success rate of pancreas transplantation was 83.9%. Incidence, causes, and possible prophylaxis of early and late postoperative complications are discussed in detail.