Surgery for chronic pancreatitis in Finland is rare but seems to produce good long-term results

Abstract

BACKGROUND Abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) may require invasive interventions. Surgical procedures are rare, and little is known about the long-term results. AIM To study the nationwide frequency of pancreatic surgery for CP in Finland, and postoperative symptoms and quality of life (QoL). METHODS All patients in Finland with a diagnosis of CP who had undergone pancreatic surgery during 2000-2008 were selected from a national register. Only patients with CP as an indication for pancreatic surgery were included. Medical records were studied and questionnaires QLQ-C30, PAN26 and AUDIT, and symptom questionnaires were sent out. RESULTS During the 9-year period, pancreatic surgery for CP was performed on 30 patients [77% men, median age 45 (21-62) years]. Eighty-three percent underwent endoscopic procedures before surgery. Surgery was performed a median 2 (0-10) years after the original CP diagnosis, and 17% developed postoperative complications. Primary pain relief after surgery was reported in 70% of cases. Need for strong pain medication was lower after surgery. Eight of 21 (38%) returned the questionnaires and 88% reported that surgery had reduced their pain and 63% were almost or entirely pain-free at a median 14 (10-18) years after surgery. QoL results did not differ from those in our control Finnish CP group. CONCLUSION Surgery for CP is rare in Finland and most patients had prior endoscopic procedures. Patients who returned the questionnaires reported less pain and good QoL during the 14-year follow-up.