[Current alternatives in the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis--a review article].
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized as an inflammatory process affecting the pancreas that causes progressive destruction of the gland and fibrosis, with subsequent endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is alcohol use in combination with nicotine. Manifestations are persistent or recurrent painful attacks. The only parameter of successful treatment of chronic pancreatitis is a relieve from long-lasting pain and improvement of the quality of life. Surgical treatment options include drainage operations on the pancreas, pancreatic resection or a combination of both. With optimal surgical treatment performed and good patient's compliance, operations for chronic pancreatitis have low number of post-operative complications and relatively good long-term results. The continued consumption of alcohol and drugs bring about worse outcomes, sometimes even a complete failure of therapy. Chronic pancreatitis also has considerable socio-economic consequences. Due to the persisting pain and frequent hospitalization it can lead to long-term disability and early retirement predominantly in young patients.
Univerzita Pavla Josefa Safaríka a UNLP Kosice, Lekárska fakulta, I. chirurgická klinika. jana.katuchova@upjs.sk
Jana
J
Kat'uchová
Jozef
J
Radonak
D006801:Humans; D050500:Pancreatitis, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*