Inclusion of entire pancreas in the composite liver and intestinal graft in pediatric intestinal transplantation.

An entire pancreatico-duodenal complex was included in the liver and intestinal graft in eight children who received small-size grafts. This method showed several advantages compared to the traditional approach. They included reducing time for graft preparation by eliminating donor pancreas resection, no necessity of biliary reconstruction and leaving natural tissue support for blood vessels. The method was not associated with an increased risk of complications such as pancreatitis or rejection. It should be considered in pediatric liver and intestinal transplant recipients who require small-size grafts.