Pancreatic duct stones treated by Whipple as a last resort: A case report

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Feb:115:109286. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109286. Epub 2024 Jan 20.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Chronic Pancreatitis is an irreversible inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to fibrosis and scar formation. Pseudocysts are a late complication of chronic pancreatitis and abdominal pain is the most common presenting complaint.

Case presentation: A 48-year-old male who is a known case of chronic pancreatitis presented to our department complaining of abdominal pain for a duration of three weeks. A CT scan revealed a pseudocyst in the head of the pancreas, stones in the unicate process along with dilatation of the body and tail of the pancreas.

Clinical discussion: After multiple ERCP failures and considering other endoscopic options, the patient was indicated for the Whipple procedure with Roux-en-y reconstruction. Postoperatively, the patient stayed in the hospital for about a week. He was asymptomatic and well but had an elevated random blood sugar level. He was discharged and recommended to follow up with an endocrinologist.

Conclusion: Whipple procedure can be used for patients with multiple pancreatic duct stones when endoscopic therapies are not effective.

Keywords: Case report; Chronic pancreatitis; Pancreatic pseudocysts; Roux- en-Y; Whipple procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports