[Transplantation Register for Pancreas and Island of Langerhans]

A new registry for human pancreas and islet transplantation has been established (D. E. R. Sutherland). Between 17 December 1966 and 31 December 1980, 108 pancreas transplantations were performed. Six patients had grafts that functioned for more than 12 months. In most of the 68 islet allotransplants performed, little or no evidence of islet function has been obtained. Three diabetic patients were dependent on insulin for 2.5 to 8 months after the operation. One of these, however, still has a functioning graft. Autotransplants of dispersed pancreatic islet tissue have been performed on 59 patients after total or partial pancreatectomy for benign disease. The 28 patients who had 90% pancreatectomies did not require insulin. Information from the registry should be helpful to the various transplant teams attempting clinical application of these procedures.