CPT® Code 48550

A donor pancreatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the pancreas from a cadaveric donor, which is typically a brain-dead patient, for the purpose of transplantation. This procedure may also include the removal of a segment of the duodenum, although this is not always necessary. The pancreas is harvested along with other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which are also intended for transplantation. The surgical approach requires a significant incision that extends from the sternal notch down to the pubis and across from the right to the left flank, allowing the surgeon to access both the thoracic and abdominal cavities. During the procedure, the pancreas is carefully mobilized alongside the liver, and critical vascular structures such as the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct are meticulously dissected. The gastro-duodenal artery is ligated to prevent blood flow, and the origins of the hepatic and splenic arteries are identified and managed accordingly. The procedure also involves isolating the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries at the aorta, mobilizing the duodenum, and infusing preservative solution into the aorta and inferior mesenteric vein as thoracic organs are removed. The duodenum is then divided at specific anatomical landmarks, and the pancreas is ultimately removed after the liver, ensuring that it is adequately flushed with preservative solution before being prepared for transplantation on the back table. This complex procedure is critical for ensuring the viability of the pancreas for successful transplantation into a recipient.