Role of the Interventional Radiologist in Pancreatic Whole Organ and Islet Cell Transplantation

Pancreas transplantation is an exciting therapy which has been used for several decades in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It can be performed as either a whole organ or islet cell transplant. The role of interventional radiologists in the management of whole organ transplants is evolving and includes treatment of postoperative complications and graft biopsy to evaluate for rejection. An in-depth understanding of the transplant anatomy and variations is a fundamental tool in performing these interventions successfully. Islet cell transplantation entails delivery of purified donor pancreatic islet cells into the recipient portal vein. Because of their expertise in image-guided access to the portal system, interventional radiologists play a crucial role in this procedure. The purpose of this article is to review the indications, anatomy, complications, and outcomes of both whole organ and islet cell pancreas transplants, followed by a discussion of the role of interventional radiologists in each procedure.