Total pancreatectomy with preservation of the duodenum and pylorus for chronic pancreatitis.

In an effort to minimize the nutritional complications that follow resection of the pancreas for severe chronic pancreatitis, the authors have performed a duodenum-preserving total pancreatectomy in eight patients for severe unremitting pain requiring large doses of opiate analgesia. Good relief of pain was obtained in six patients (75%), in whom the quality of life was undoubtedly improved. There were no problems with the control of diabetes after this procedure in any of these patients, and no patient has suffered any hypoglycemic attacks requiring medical treatment. This improved control of the diabetic state is probably related to a more physiologic state of the upper digestive tract, enabling a normal food intake. The authors found the operation to be technically difficult, however, and although there were no post-operative deaths, major complications were encountered in four patients. These consisted of postoperative bleeding requiring reoperation (two patients), sepsis, and a duodenal fistula, which progressed to stenosis.