[Surgical therapy of chronic pancreatitis: index-assisted evaluation of therapeutic success].

Abstract

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis is criticized as being too risky to treat an allegedly self-limiting disease. Therefore, analysis of treatment results after surgery is necessary. Relevant parameters are--besides late surgical complications--pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, weight loss, regular medications, general fitness and ability to work, all of which have to be accounted for pre and postoperatively. All parameters were integrated into an outcome score. 64 patients were studied 3.5 years (median) after different surgical procedures for proven chronic pancreatitis. Efficient pain control was achieved with every procedure. Resection caused more often functional deficiencies. However, these patients felt generally fitter after surgery and more often worked full-time. The outcome score demonstrated different results for the various procedures. Especially the risk-benefit ratio of cystoenterostomies can probably be improved by percutaneous drainage techniques.