“Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive fibro-inflammatory disease of the pancreas leading to irreversible parenchymal damage with gradual loss of exocrine and endocrine functions. The most common and debilitating manifestation of this disease is intractable pain which may lead to loss of work, unemployment, narcotic dependence, and impairment of the quality of life (QOL). About 30–50% of patients with CP will require surgery during their life time.2,3 Several surgical procedures have been described in the literature, and these are broadly classified as drainage, resectional or a combination of the two. Each respective
procedure is chosen based on the degree of pancreatic ductal dilatation, glandular morphology, local complications, and to some extent on the experience and preference of the surgeon. The Frey procedure (FP) has emerged over the past 30 years as one of the most commonly performed operations for painful CP associated with enlarged pancreatic head. The procedure results in substantial and sustained pain relief in the majority of patients. Like other major operations, FP also is associated with several post operative complications.”

“Frey procedure is an effective operation for CP with low rates of short-term mortality and reasonable morbidity. As PPH is an important cause of early reoperation and mortality, utmost care should be taken to achieve hemostasis of the cored out cavity of the pancreas. Prior endoscopic procedure had been associated with increased rates of wound infection and overall hospital stay. This information has to be conveyed to the patient during preoperative counselling. As perioperative blood transfusion is a risk factor for postoperative major complications, minimizing blood transfusion may improve overall 90-day outcome.”

Ray S, et al . Predictors of 90-day morbidity and mortality after Frey procedure for chronic pancreatitis. Am J Surg. 2023 Apr;225(4):709-714.