TPIAT is a surgical option that can treat the root cause of pain due to chronic pancreatitis (CP) or in some cases, severe recurrent acute pancreatitis by removing the painful, diseased pancreas – total pancreatectomy (TP). The pancreas is sent to a specialized lab where the insulin producing cells (islets) are extracted. The islet cells are saved and transplanted back into the person's liver in a procedure called islet auto-transplant (IAT).
K. Louise Berry, BSC, RN, Nurse Care Coordinator for the TPIAT program at Penn Medicine helped us answer four frequently asked questions about Total Pancreatectomy Islet Auto Transplantation (TPIAT) at Penn. Louise has served hundreds of TPIAT patients over the course of her career – helping them go on to live lives free of the pain associated with chronic pancreatitis or severe recurrent acute pancreatitis.
Is TPIAT a new procedure?
The first TPIAT procedure was performed in 1977. While TPIAT is not new, it is not a common procedure which is why choosing an experienced TPIAT team is critical. At Penn, we specialize in offering care tailored to each individual patient – which is critical when chronic, sometimes debilitating pain is a part of the patient's experience.
How do I know if TPIAT is the right treatment for me?
When other medical and surgical treatments for chronic pancreatitis or severe recurrent acute pancreatitis have been exhausted, it's time to explore TPIAT.
In addition to severe abdominal pain, symptoms may include discomfort when eating, digestive issues, fatty stools or diarrhea as a result of permanent damage to the pancreas. These symptoms can lead to chronic pain and weight loss.
If these are symptoms a patient is experiencing, I encourage them to contact Penn to share their story and we can figure out how Penn can help by connecting the patient with our experienced multidisciplinary team.
Do I need a referral from a provider to begin the TPIAT evaluation process?
At Penn, patients are able to self-refer to the TPIAT program, so a referral from a provider is not required. To explore TPIAT as a treatment option, patients can call 215-662-3304 or email at TPIAT@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
How successful is TPIAT?
90 percent of people who undergo TPIAT surgery report improved pain at one year.
More information about TPIAT and the evaluation process