“Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by recurrent inflammation and fibrosis, resulting in pervasive symptoms of abdominal pain, early satiety, nausea, malnutrition, and pancreatic insufficiency. Though there are limited data on the true prevalence of chronic pancreatitis, an
estimated 5 to 14 per 100,000 patients are diagnosed annually in the US. While the overall incidence and prevalence of chronic pancreatitis remain relatively low, it contributes a significant morbidity and financial burden, with an annual healthcare cost exceeding $3 billion, largely due to increased utilization and symptom palliating efforts. Furthermore,
disability secondary to chronic pancreatitis symptoms creates a substantial personal burden, with increased work absenteeism and reducedquality of life. Treatment efforts initially focus on symptom management and reversal of instigating factors, consisting primarily of medical
and endoscopic techniques; however, up to 50 % of all cases of chronic pancreatitis eventually require surgical intervention due to persistent symptoms, most commonly debilitating abdominal pain. Additionally, current data suggest that surgery is superior to endoscopy in maintaining symptom resolution and preserving pancreatic function.”

“Our analyses demonstrate that Whipple and Frey procedures are appropriate options for surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis isolated to the pancreatic head or proximal pancreas. Over 70% of patients experience symptom resolution within the first 30 postoperative days, which increases to 84% at a mean follow-up of 2 years, suggesting
improved and sustained long-term symptomatic relief. We found that groove pancreatitis, postoperative DGE, and length of hospitalization were significant predictors in symptom persistence or resolution.
These findings support and expand on the current data surrounding surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis. Kempeneers and colleagues evaluated long-term pain relief after Frey or extended lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in chronic pancreatitis patients with a dilated
main pancreatic duct of 5 mm or larger. They report 60% complete or near-complete symptom resolution; however, they included only patients without pancreatic surgical history and required opioid use for pain management preoperatively.”

Smith, Savannah R et al. “Long-term symptom resolution following the surgical management of chronic pancreatitis.” American journal of surgery vol. 237 (2024) Full Text for Emory Users