Total pancreatectomy in dogs.

Total pancreatectomy in dogs has been an important laboratory maneuver for studies of the apancreatic state and transplantation. The shared blood supply of the pancreas and duodenum has been difficult to address surgically in a way which would preserve the duodenum. A duodenal branch of the gastroduodenal artery has been identified which can support the duodenum when the pancreaticoduodenal arcade is resected. Preservation of this artery in 80 dogs permitted complete pancreatectomy with minimal blood loss and allowed resection of the pancreaticoduodenal vessels. Preservation of the blood supply to the pancreas until the very end of the procedure was rewarded by excellent viability of the tissue. A few technical considerations make this a rather simple procedure which is easily taught. The postoperative management of apancreatic animals is greatly facilitated by utilizing this minimally traumatic procedure which has negligible blood loss.