Long term results of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy for chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess our long term results of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in patients with alcoholic pancreatitis.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University hospital, France.


METHODS
57 patients (48 men, 9 women, mean (SD) age 46 (7) years who required surgical treatment of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis between January 1977 and October 1995.


METHODS
Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy with or without another procedure. Outcome classified as excellent, good, fair, or poor.


METHODS
Postoperative morbidity and mortality; relief of pain; reduction in use of analgesics and exocrine supplements; effect on exocrine and endocrine insufficiency; and return to paid work.


RESULTS
There were no postoperative deaths and no pancreatic fistulae, but there were 17 other postoperative complications (30%). Median follow up was 65 months (range 8-206), during which 12 patients died (21%). Result was judged excellent in 16 (28%), good in 27 (47%), fair in 5 (9%), and poor in 9 (16%). Pain control was significantly improved, analgesic usage decreased, less pancreatic enzyme supplementation was required, and 25 patients returned to paid work (p = 0.0001 in each case). Exocrine and endocrine function remained stable. The results were better if the patient gave up misusing alcohol (p = 0.03) and if the operation was done within 4 years of the development of pancreatitis (p = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy is a safe procedure that can improve functional outcome in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, and does not worsen pancreatic function.
Sielezneff
I
I
Department of Digestive Surgery, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France.
Malouf
A
A
Salle
E
E
Brunet
C
C
Thirion
X
X
Sastre
B
B
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010179:Pancreas / Q000503:physiopathology; D010193:Pancreaticojejunostomy; D019512:Pancreatitis, Alcoholic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013695:Temperance; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome