Is there still an indication for pancreatic duct drainage in chronic pancreatitis?
Pain in chronic pancreatitis is supposed to be multifactorial in origin. Pancreatic duct/tissue hypertension is today proved in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pain. Duct drainage reportedly normalizes pancreatic duct/tissue pressure and reduces pain in 70% of the patients. Also, duct drainage by endoscopy may relieve pain. Surgical duct decompression is parenchyma-preserving and even suggested to prevent further progress of exocrine insufficiency. Recent experience indicates that such operations are pain-relieving not only in patients with dilated ducts but also in those with small duct disease.
Ihse
I
I
Department of Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Andersson
R
R
Lindell
G
G
D002908:Chronic Disease; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000601:surgery*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*