Introduction. Simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation is performed to restore normoglycaemia and renal function in patients with Type I diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal failure. We aimed to evaluate the impact of major postoperative complications to patient and graft survival outcomes. Method. Using a prospectively collected database over a 10-year period, major postoperative complications requiring return to operating theatre as well as patient and graft survival outcomes were analysed retrospectively. Results. Between January 2001 and May 2010, 165 patients underwent first-time SPK transplantation. Median age of recipients was 39.8 years (range, 16.9–53.2). Enteric drainage was used in 149 patients, and bladder drainage was used in 16. Median follow-up time was 5.2 years (range 1.1–10.3). Fifty-six patients (34%) returned to operating theatre at least once. Pancreatic allograft loss secondary to vascular thrombosis occurred in 12 patients (7%), and 2 patients (1.2%) required transplant pancreatectomy due to debilitating pancreatic enzyme leaks. At 1 and 5 years, patient survival was 98% and 94%; pancreas graft survival, 86% and 77%; kidney graft survival 96% and 89%, respectively. Conclusion. SPK is a safe and effective treatment for Type I diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal failure although surgical reintervention is required in approximately one-third of patients. Preventing vascular thrombosis remains a major challenge. 1. Introduction The first successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation was performed at the University of Minnesota Hospital in 1966 [1]. Since then, SPK has become an effective treatment modality for patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and end-stage renal failure [2]. Despite numerous advances in surgical techniques, organ preservation, and immunosuppression over the past 25 years, SPK is still associated with significant morbidity and rate of transplant graft loss remains significant [3]. Surgical complications in particular graft thrombosis and haemorrhage can lead to reintervention, graft loss, and increased length of hospital stay [4]. Our aim was to review the experience of SPK transplantation at the National Pancreas Transplant Unit (NPTU) in Australia over the last 10 years, focusing on the incidence of major postoperative complications and the reasons for graft loss. We also aimed to identify risk factors leading to graft loss within our cohort. 2. Patients and Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 165 first-time SPK transplants performed at the NPTU between January
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