Background/aim: Surgical therapy for chronic pancreatitis is reserved for patients with intractable abdominal pain, complications of the disease, or suspected underlying carcinoma. Pancreatic resection can be performed safety with good postoperative results.
Methods: Between January 1996 and December 2009, the findings for 90 consecutive patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis were analyzed in prospective trial. Short-term results - postoperative complications were investigated 30 days after surgery. Long-term follow-up results, including quality of life (QoL) assessment using visual analog scale of pain (VAS), Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), and EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QoL-C30) were carried out. The influence of postoperative complications on long-term quality of life was documented.
Results: The overall mortality rate and morbidity rate were 3.3% (3 patients) and 27.7% (25 patients), respectively. Surgically related morbidity rate was 21.1% (19 patients). Long-term follow-up was investigated in 65 patients (72%). The median pain score decreased using VAS from 8 to 1 and using KPS increased from 50 to 100 (p < 0.0001). During the follow-up, the median global QoL improved by 100%. Apart from the cognitive functioning, the physical status, working ability, and emotional and social functioning all improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The presence of postoperative complications had no significant influence on long-term quality of life.
Conclusion: Surgery for patients with chronic pancreatitis can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and very good long-term results.