The preoperative interval and surgical outcomes of longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy for patients with chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Background: Surgery for patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is recommended when medical and endoscopic treatments fail in the Japanese practice guidelines. However, the optimal timing of surgery is not mentioned.

Purpose: To investigate the optimal timing of surgery for CP.

Methods: Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients undergoing early surgery (preoperative interval less than 5 years, N = 30), and those undergoing late surgery (interval of 5 years or more, N = 20). All patients underwent longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy, from January 2005 to April 2016 at our institution.

Results: There were no significant differences in patients' background or perioperative outcomes. Thirty-eight patients were analyzed one year after surgery (Early group: 20, Late group: 18). Nutritional status improved in both groups, and there were no significant differences between the two groups. Pain was also significantly improved in both groups. There was no new onset of diabetes mellitus or pancreatic cancer during the follow up period.

Conclusion: Regardless of preoperative interval, surgical intervention was effective for patients with CP. Early surgical intervention may improve QOL by reducing disease duration.