Transplant surgery.

Abstract

Exciting new advances in transplant surgery are arising from the research laboratory and from clinical experimentation. Methods of immunosuppression and operative techniques have become standardized for renal transplantation. Pretransplant blood transfusions, immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporin A and a closed-circuit method of thoracic duct filtration hold promise for improved results in graft survival. Segmental pancreatic transplantation has recently been developed and may provide a brighter outlook for the multitude of patients with diabetes.