Long-term symptom resolution following the surgical management of chronic pancreatitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pervasive symptoms from chronic pancreatitis despite noninvasive management is an indication for surgical intervention. Frey and Whipple procedures are appropriate options for proximal pancreas disease; however, data are limited on symptomatic outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis of the proximal pancreas from 2005 to 2019. Preoperative patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients underwent surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis, 91 Whipple and 49 Frey procedures. Mean age was 53 years (SD 12), and mean BMI 24 (SD 5.6). At post-operative follow-up, 74 â€‹% were asymptomatic, and 84 â€‹% at average follow-up of 2 years. Groove pancreatitis, lack of post-operative delayed gastric emptying, and decreased length of stay were predictive of symptom resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Whipple and Frey procedures are appropriate surgical options for chronic pancreatitis affecting the proximal pancreas. Both lead to sustained symptom resolution for most patients.