Management of chronic pancreatitis with pancreas cyst by endoscopic pancreatic prosthesis.

Cases of chronic pancreatitis accompanied by stenosis or dilation of the pancreatic duct were treated by endoscopic placement of an endoprosthesis and drainage. The purpose of the treatment was the alleviation of pain, restoration of extrapancreatic secretion and retardation of the progression of inflammation. The procedure was performed successfully in 9 of 13 patients, using an endoscopically placed pigtail prosthesis in the pancreatic duct. The successfully treated patients consisted of 9 cases of chronic pancreatitis, 2 cases being pancreas divisum. After disappearance of the symptoms and abnormal endoscopic findings, the drainage tubes were removed after a period of 5-12 months. No serious complications were encountered. Following the procedure, an improvement in appetite and increase of 2-13 kg in body weight was recognized. This method yielded satisfactory results in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.