Advances in Islet Function Replacing Strategies After Total Pancreatectomy.

Abstract

Total pancreatectomy is one of the radical treatments for various severe pancreatic conditions, including pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic trauma. However, the postoperative complication rate is higher compared to other surgical methods, and all patients inevitably develop insulin-dependent diabetes due to the loss of islet function. Previously, studies focused on pancreas/islet transplantation or stem cell therapy conducted in diabetic patients have achieved significant success, suggesting that adopting similar strategies to preserve or restore islet function after total pancreatectomy is feasible. To date, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted in this field, providing some basis for selecting islet function replacing strategies (IFRSs) after total pancreatectomy. This article will provide a review of the existing IFRSs after total pancreatectomy, as well as those in various stages of research. It will analyze the clinical evidence, advantages, and disadvantages of different strategies, thereby offering a reference for physicians in the relevant field.