Outcome of Longitudinal Pancreatico-Jejunostomy on Pain Control and Pancreatic Function in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Background: Outcome of drainage operation for chronic pancreatitis are variable. The present study is taken to observe effect of longitudinal pancreatico-jejunostomy (LPJ) on pain control and pancreatic function in chronic pancreatitis in our setting.Material & Methods:Thirty-three patients who underwent LPJ for symptomatic chronic pancreatitis for one year period presented with abdominal pain (100%), steatorrhoea (30.3%), diabetes (66.7%) and weight loss (78.8%). Definitive diagnosis was made on the basis of ultrasonography and MRCP findings. LPJ (Partingtong-Rochelle) operation was done in all patients. Pain (using visual analoge scale), glycemic status (using FBS, 2hABF, HbA1c), body weight, serum zinc levels (as a marker of exocrine function), and serum insulin level (as a marker of endocrine function) were measured immediately after admission and 3 months after operation.Results:Three months after operation pain was completely disappeared in 23 (69.7%) patients, it persisted in different grade in 10 (30.3%) patients and the pain reduction rate was significant. Twenty two patients who had diabetes prior to surgery, their glycemic status significantly decreased and serum insulin level significantly increased (preoperative; 7.1±5.1 µU/L, postoperative; 14.3±4 µU/L) in 22 patients with DM after surgery. Serum zinc level increased (preoperative; 80.8±24.5 µg/dl, postoperative; 85.3±24.7 µg/dl) 3 months after surgery but the difference was not significant (p=0.571). However the body weight of all patients were significantly increased after operation.Conclusions:LPJ reduces abdominal pain and improves both exocrine and endocrine function in patient with chronic pancreatitis. Serum zinc levels can be considered as a tool of exocrine function.