Effect of duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas on endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Chronic pancreatitis leads to progressive destruction of pancreatic parenchyma affecting exocrine and endocrine function. We prospectively evaluated the effect of duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas on pancreatic function.


METHODS
Exocrine and endocrine function were measured in a combined test including (1) urinary PABA recovery; (2) plasma glucose, glucagon, and C-peptide responses; and (3) plasma pancreatic polypeptide response. Nineteen patients were included.


RESULTS
Compared with the preoperative state, plasma glucose levels did not increase postoperatively. Plasma C-peptide levels were reduced postoperatively but the difference was not significant. The percentage of insulin-dependent patients did not increase after operation (32% versus 32%). Glucose tolerance improved in 4 patients and deteriorated in 3 patients. Postoperative basal and-meal stimulated plasma pancreatic polypeptide levels were significantly reduced. Postoperative urinary PABA recovery was not significantly different from preoperative values.


CONCLUSIONS
Neither exocrine nor endocrine pancreatic function are negatively influenced by duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection.
Eddes
E H
EH
Department of General Surgery, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Masclee
A M
AM
Gooszen
H G
HG
Frölich
M
M
Lamers
C B
CB
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D010179:Pancreas / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D010186:Pancreatic Function Tests; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019512:Pancreatitis, Alcoholic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies