[Digestive and endocrine functions after partial duodeno-pancreatectomy]

Abstract

Pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed in 11 patients for malignant or inflammatory tumours of the head of the pancreas or the region of the papilla. Digestive and endocrine functions were determined after the operation. In all cases faecal fat values were abnormal, indicating a 90% loss of pancreas. 14C-exhalation measurement, chymotrypsin determination in stool, and amylose tolerance test were also performed. Oral glucose-tolerance tests with plasma-insulin measurement indicated asymptomatic diabetes mellitus in the majority of patients. Two patients whose diabetes was controlled by tablets before the operation required insulin treatment afterwards. A decreased serum-gastrin level proved the existence of gastric and extragastric sources of gastrin.