CLINICAL FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF OPERATIVE TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Follow-up results of operative treatment for chronic pancreatitis were studied with reference to five indicators, i.e., body weight, effect on relief from pain, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine functions, and social rehabilitation, in 34 patients operated on from June 1974 to May 1984 in our institution. Surgical death did not occur in any cases. The interval observed after operation was at least one year in every patient. Increased body weight was observed in 8 patients (23.5%) especially in the group that underwent drainage operation for dilated puncreatic duct (60%). Some of the patients with alcoholic pancreatitis showed an increase when they avoided the use of alcohol. The effect on the removal of pain by surgical treatment in spite of difficulty with palliative control was significant, except for cystogastrostomy or cystojejunostomy. The decrease in exocrine and endocrine functions after surgical treatment was progressive, and those in the group with resected pancreas were the worst, of three patients whe did not achieve normal social rehabilitation, one had abdominal pain and the other two have continued to drink alcohol. It is considered that the appropriate selection of operative procedures and self-control on the part of the patients are important factors in the development of the results of surgical treatment for chronic pancreatitis.