Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis is indicated in patients with intractable pain, major complications, or possible underlying malignancy. The options include various resections or pancreatic ductal drainage procedures. Drainage has the benefit of low mortality and morbidity, but is often unsuitable for patients with diffuse disease. Careful follow-up and symptomatic assessment are necessary, and as many as 50% of these difficult patients may have persistent symptoms despite surgery. Careful selection of the patient and the procedure is essential for success.