In severe cases of chronic pancreatitis pain relief can often only be achie
ved by pancreas resection, however this may render the patient diabetic. In
an effort to prevent diabetes some patients may be suitable for a simultan
eous islet autotransplant, The last report from the International Islet Tra
nsplant Registry has reported 222 cases. This review discusses the current
progress in human islet autotransplantation, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger A
G. Basel.