[Current status in transplantation of the endocrine pancreas in the treatment of diabetes mellitus 2. Transplantation of fetal pancreas].

The latest findings support hypotheses that diabetes complications are secondary to metabolic control which current insulin therapy is unable to render constant. Surgical attempts to transplant the pancreas and Langerhans islets in the treatment of diabetes mellitus are reviewed and special attention paid to the use of the foetal pancreas which has proved particularly suitable in preventing microangiopathic complication. Comments are based on a careful review of the literature, made in the light of personal experience.