Purpose of Technology
The purpose of total pancreatectomy is to relieve severe, debilitating symptoms in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) who have not responded adequately to conservative therapy. However, removal of the entire pancreas stops insulin production, leading to diabetes and lifelong insulin therapy. At the time of pancreatectomy, islet cells can be harvested from the patient’s own pancreas and transplanted back into the body (islet autotransplantation) with the goal of successful engraftment and endogenous insulin production.
Relevant Questions
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Does total pancreatectomy/autotransoplantation (TP/IAT) effectively reduce CP-related pain and symptoms, and improve quality of life and survival compared with standard therapies while maintaining glycemic control and insulin independence?
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Is TP/IAT for the treatment of CP safe?
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Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for CP patients treated with TP/IAT?
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