Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation (TPIAT) | Josiah's Story

"This procedure was a game changer." A direct quote from the mother of 4-year-old Josiah just months after his TPIAT surgery. TPIAT is a surgical option for select children with debilitating pain and impaired quality of life from acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. It is an innovative surgical procedure that combines a total pancreatectomy (removal of the whole pancreas) with islet autotransplantation (isolation of the islets that help manage blood sugar from the pancreas, followed by their transplantation into the liver via the portal vein). The procedure can provide definitive and lasting pain relief and improve quality of life. The islet autotransplantation offers a chance for insulin independence (avoiding diabetes), as well. Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of only a few pediatric institutions that has the expertise to perform this procedure. It was absolutely life-changing for 4-year-old Josiah. "A once sick little boy, not wanting to do anything is now running around acting like a normal 4 year old. He wants to play, his pain is gone. He's eating again. I'm absolutely blown away at the level of care we received at Nationwide Children's," said Josiah's mom.