Pain relief in chronic pancreatitis by pancreatico-jejunostomy. An institutional experience

ABSTRACT

Effective pain control in chronic pancreatitis can be accomplished by pancreatic resection or decompression. Pancreatico-jejunostomy (PJ) has been reported to be effective for relieving pain in 70-80 perecnet, of cases. The present study analyses the authors's long term results with PJ in the treatment of pancreatic pain. From 1963 to 1993, 49 patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent PJ for uncotrollable pain. General and radiologic characteristics, intraoperative findings and outcome were ana-lyzed. Mean age was 35 ñ 13 years, 34 were male and 15 female. Alcoholic etiology was documented in 23 patients. Multiple pancreatic calcifications were found in 33 patients. Pancreatic biopsy confirmed chronica pancreatitis in all patients. There was one operative mortality, 12 minor, and 4 major complications. In a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, 98 perecent of the total group was found to be free of pain. Pancreatic function remained stable in most patients. PJ is an excellent procedure for pain control that allows stable pancreatic function