Duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas--an alternative to Whipple's procedure in chronic pancreatitis.

Duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas is a low-risk operation for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Subtotal resection of the head of the pancreas does not result in a significant diminishment in the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas. Owing to the limited nature of the intervention, hospital and late mortality rates are low. More than 80% of the patients with CP have experienced long-lasting relief of pain after this procedure. In comparison with the Whipple operation duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas spares the patient a gastrectomy, a duodenectomy, and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct.