The duodenum preserving resection of the head of the pancreas (DPRHP) in patients with chronic pancreatitis and an inflammatory mass in the head. An alternative surgical technique to the Whipple operation.

Since 1972, resection of the head of the pancreas with preservation of the duodenum has been carried out in 141 patients with chronic pancreatitis and an inflammatory mass in the head of the gland. One patient died in hospital (0.7%), and seven further patients died during the median follow-up period of 3.6 years (range 0.5-16). In contrast to the Whipple procedure, this operation spares the patient a gastric resection, a duodenectomy, and resection of the common bile duct. In terms of long lasting relief of pain and preservation of the endocrine function of the pancreas, the limited resection with preservation of the duodenum is highly effective and the mortality and late morbidity are low.