Objective  To compare the effect of mechanical perfusion and simple cold preservation on donation after cardiac death (DCD) pancreas in pigs.

  Methods  Ten healthy pigs were randomized into simple cold preservation group and the mechanical perfusion group (5 pigs in each group). DCD model was established in pigs. The pancreas was cut and stored in University of Wisconsin solution (UW solution). The pancreas of the simple cold preservation group was preserved with simple UW solution and that of the mechanical perfusion group was preserved by mechanical perfusion. Specimen was collected from pancreatic tail at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 24 h to prepare tissue section. Then, the tissue section was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Histopathological examination was conducted and pathological score of the two groups was compared.

  Results  Microthrombus in DCD pancreas of pig was removed at 180 min of mechanical perfusion and injury to pancreas islet caused by excessive perfusion was avoided. The pathological score of the mechanical perfusion group was (4.2±0.8) and that of the simple cold preservation group was (8.4±1.1), and the difference had statistical significance (P < 0.05).

  Conclusions  Mechanical perfusion may effectively remove thrombus in pancreatic vessels. Compared with simple cold preservation, mechanical perfusion may maintain the integrity of pancreas islet better after the preservation of the same period of time.