Simultaneous en-bloc pancreas and kidney transplantation from a small paediatric donor after circulatory death

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKT) is an effective treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes and end stage renal disease. Increasing demands for organs for transplantation coupled with a rise in age and size of adult donors has led to greater utilization of paediatric donors, and with good outcomes. Nonetheless, there remains reticence amongst transplant surgeons to transplant pancreases from small paediatric donors despite the optimal characteristics and macroscopic features of the younger pancreas. We report a successful case of SPKT from a small paediatric donor and explore the aspects of potential concern that might have led some clinicians to decline these organs. We also discuss the measures taken to overcome potential obstacles to successful transplantation from this donor source, and the rationale behind them. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.