Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective: To summarize our experience in treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods: Clinical data on 245 patients with CP treated at our hospital from May 1983 to October 2001 were reviewed.

Results: Of the 245 patients, 122 suffered from CP for a year (49.8%) and 191 for 5 years (78.0%). The rate of positive diagnosis of B-ultrasound, CT, ERCP, B2-Ty-Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) for CP was 74.2%, 80.7%, 76.5% and 72.8%, respectively. 169 patients (69.0%) received surgical treatment. After the operation, 98.8% of the 169 patients experienced decreased pain with a complication rate of 1.2%.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate operative time and management are of vital importance in improving patients'quality of life and controlling the natural history of the disease.