The book gives an overview of chronic pancreatitis and the advances in treatment options, especially total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation (TP-IAT). It aims to provide a better understanding of TP-IAT and its role in treating refractory chronic pancreatitis by focusing on important aspects such as patient evaluation, selection, and management, and islet isolation techniques.

The chapters provide an overview on chronic pancreatitis and emphasize the significant challenges associated with the condition. They highlight the need for effective surgical interventions to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for patients. Traditional surgical techniques that provide some relief are described; however, their limitations underscore the value of TP-IAT, which has the potential to provide more complete relief of pain while addressing complications such as diabetes. The book reviews new data about indications for the procedure, selection of patient, islet isolation techniques, islet auto transplantation and outcomes. It also provides details about the necessary infra structure needed to start a TP-IAT program.

This book is intended for surgeons, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, scientists, and translational researchers in islet transplantation. It is also helpful for fellows in gastroenterology and pancreatology, and senior residents training in surgery and medicine. Additionally, it serves as a reference for all physicians managing patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Dr. Srinath Chinnakotla is the professor of surgery and lead surgeon for the pediatric total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation program at the University of Minnesota, USA. He has the  largest experience of the TPIAT procedure in children, specifically the youngest children afflicted with hereditary/genetic chronic pancreatitis. Dr Chinnakotla has published key papers on surgical technique, islet isolation, and post-operative outcomes, and delivered lectures on the topic worldwide.

Dr. Melena Bellin is a professor of pediatrics and serves as the medical director of the total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation (TPIAT) program at the University of Minnesota, USA. She is an endocrinologist specializing in islet auto transplantation. Dr. Bellin is the primary investigator for multiple clinical trials, cohort studies, and physiology studies in TPIAT funded by the NIH. She has authored several manuscripts and has delivered lectures on the topic worldwide.

Dr. Gregory  Beilman is the CEO of the University of Minnesota Physicians and Owen H. Wangensteen professor of surgery at the University of Minnesota, USA. With nearly three decades of experience in severe acute and chronic pancreatitis and surgical therapy for these conditions, he is the founding medical director of the islet auto transplant program at the University of Minnesota.