TPIAT | Total Pancreatectomy & Islet Cell Autotransplantation
The Leicester HPB Unit has a long history in the field of Islet Isolation
We are committed to the well-being of our patients
Meet the Team | The Staff Members Involved
Professor Ashley Dennison
Professor of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery
TPIAT Series Program Team Leader
Professor Giuseppe Garcea
Consultant Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery Surgeon
TPIAT Series Program Deputy
Cristina Pollard
Lead Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Clinical Nurse Specialist
TPIAT Series Program Co-ordinator
Dr Cindy Horst
Consultant Anaesthetist
Appointed as a Consultant in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care in 2003, I bring over two decades of experience to my practice. My primary focus is in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) anaesthesia and Intensive Care at the University Hospitals of Leicester – Glenfield Hospital, a leading centre for specialist care. Alongside my clinical work, I also hold key leadership roles as Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Medical Examiner.
Dr Dave Patel
Consultant Anaesthetist
Dave is a consultant anaesthetist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust. He graduated from Guy’s, King’s and St. Thomas’ medical school in 2006 and subsequently undertook specialty training in Anaesthesia in the East Midlands. This included advanced training in regional anaesthesia. His areas of interest include anaesthesia for Hepatobiliary and pancreatic, Vascular and Orthopaedic surgery. He is the director for both the Foundation doctor ultrasound and the cadaveric ultrasound in perioperative care courses held in Leicester.
Leicester Glenfield Theatre Team – Hospital University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust
The Leicester HPB theatre staff comprises a close-knit group who work hard to assist in the safe and efficient delivery of complex surgical procedures.
The team is responsible for checking anaesthetic machines, assisting the anaesthetist with intubation and extubation (placing a breathing tube before major surgery), providing the necessary surgical instruments and equipment to the surgeon during each procedure, and liaising with recovery, wards, or other departments to ensure a smooth patient experience.
Due to the specialised skills and knowledge required for these roles, teamwork is essential. The ability to anticipate potential issues and solve problems in a timely manner is imperative.
Many members of the team have worked together for several years, fostering a family-like relationship that ensures seamless care for patients throughout their surgical journey.
The laboratory is situated at Leicester Royal infirmary within the pathology department. The facility comprises two clean rooms which meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards and is licenced by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA, licence number: 11031) for procurement, testing, processing, distribution and storage of tissues and/or cells intended for human application.
The pancreas is retrieved from the donor at the Glenfield Hospital and shipped to Leicester Royal Infirmary in cold organ preservation solution. The procedure to isolate islets involves the dissection and perfusion of the pancreas with enzymes, to separate the islets from the other pancreatic tissue. This is then placed in a container (Ricordi Chamber) within a warmed circuit, which is shaken until the islets are released from the tissue. The cells are washed and packaged into a bag, ready to be infused back to the patient. The entire procedure is performed in Grade A safety cabinets to ensure that the islet cell products are fit for clinical use, and takes about 4 – 5 hours to carry out.
The Laboratory Team – University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust
Team Members (Left to Right)
Dr Wen Yuan Chung – Academic Research Fellow
Liley Kikaiweji
Shazia Aref
Joanne Berridge
Sarah Ward
Wendy Merrison
Page 2 of 4 | TPIAT Procedure – Staff Profiles
Isolate Isolation
