INTRODUCTION: Based on the available evidence, there appears to be a higher risk of onset of diabetes in patients post partial pancreatectomy. Autologous islet transplantation is currently offered selectively after total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis and for benign pancreatic lesions. The indication for autologous islet transplantation has been expanded to avoid surgically-induced diabetes in post-traumatic pancreatic resections. Four such cases have been previously reported in the literature, all of which are adult patients.

CASE REPORT: Following a motor-vehicle accident, pancreatic trauma occurred in a 3-year old boy. Partial jejunal resection and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy were performed. The resected pancreas was processed and the isolated islets were infused into the liver. The patient maintained euglycemia at 3- and 10-months post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS: We report the first pediatric case of autologous islet transplantation post partial pancreatectomy due to pancreatic trauma. It is evident from our case and other similar cases in adults that autologous islet transplantation may be performed safely after pancreatic trauma and surgical resection to reduce the risk of future onset of diabetes.