UC performs 100th specialized pancreatitis 'cure'

Physicians at the University of Cincinnati Pancreatic Disease Center have performed their 100th specialized surgical procedure that can "cure" inflammation of the pancreas.

The procedure, called autologous islet cell transplantation, involves removing the pancreas, using enzymes to remove the islet cells, purifying the cells and infusing the cells back into the patient through a vein in the liver.

Forty percent of patients undergoing the surgery no longer require insulin injections, while the remaining 60 percent only need minimal to moderate amounts of insulin.

UC physicians have been offering the procedure since 1999 and are one of only three major centers in the United States that offer pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplant to treat chronic pancreatitis.

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