Pancreas transplantation--a controversy in evolution.

Pancreas transplantation has been mired in controversy throughout its existence. Arguments have erupted regarding its actual indications, the way the surgical procedure should be performed, its benefits, and today, the concept of pancreas islet cell transplantation remains controversial as well. If diabetic patients had a choice between life long insulin therapy and a major operation with immunosuppression afterward, what would they choose? The answer may not be as easy as one thinks. Pancreas transplantation has come a long way. This manuscript discusses the history of pancreas transplantation, how the indications are starting to be defined, evolution of the surgical procedure, current success rates of this procedure, the current scenario of pancreas islet transplantation, and newer developing technologies.