Pancreatic tissue pressure: techniques and pathophysiological aspects.

Pancreatic tissue pressure (PTP) was measured during surgery in six patients with a normal pancreas and in six patients with chronic pancreatitis. The pressures were obtained by insertion of a tiny transducer-connected cannula into pancreas. PTP probably reflects acinus and small-duct pressure. PTP was significantly higher in patients with chronic pancreatitis than in patients with a normal pancreas, but it decreased significantly after drainage. A high degree of linear relationship between PTP and intraductal pressure (r = 0.99) indicates that PTP measurements are valuable when the main duct is difficult to cannulate. Chronic pancreatitis might be a compartment syndrome due to impeded drainage and an inelastic capsule.