Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto Transplantation in South Australia: A Preliminary Evaluation of a 10-Year Experience
Gorjana Radisic, Colleen Etherton and Alice Rickard, Merle Weetra, Denghao Wu, Sanjeev Khurana, Bhanu Mariyappa, Jenny Harrington, Tom Loudovaris, Gordon Thomas, Henry C. C. Pleass, Alex Brown, Thomas W. Kay, Christopher J. Drogemuller, David J. Torpy, Richard Couper, John Chen, Patrick T. Coates
Med J Aust ; (1) || doi: 10.5694/mja2.70129
Abstract
Hereditary pancreatitis causes severe early-onset pain and hospitalisation. In 15 Australian patients undergoing total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation (TPIAT), we observed a marked reduction in hospital admissions, inpatient days and emergency visits, complete analgesic cessation by 24 months and durable insulin independence in nearly half of the patients. These findings highlight TPIAT’s potential to improve quality of life and reduce healthcare burden. Our programme aims to build evidence to support public funding and ensure equitable access to this procedure.