Progressive loss of pancreatic function in chronic pancreatitis is delayed by main pancreatic duct decompression. A longitudinal prospective analysis of the modified puestow procedure

Surgery versus Endoscopy for the Management of Painful Chronic Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Debate exists regarding the optimal treatment for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP). This meta-analysis aims to determine the outcomes of surgical intervention as compared to endoscopy in patients with painful CP.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis including studies from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Databases (1995 onwards) was done by two independent reviewers using PRISMA guidelines. Primary outcome was pain relief.

RESULTS

Among 8,479 studies, three were randomized trials, comprising a total of 199 patients. Compared with endoscopy, surgery was associated with a lower Izbicki score, both at medium term (mean difference (MD) 21.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.48-29.43, p < 0.00001) and long term (MD: 17.80, 95% CI: 8.36-27.23, p = 0.0002). A higher proportion of surgical patients had some sort of pain relief compared with those who had endoscopy, both at medium term (72% vs. 46%, RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19-1.90, p = 0.0006) and long term (73% vs. 47%, RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.19-1.89, p = 0.0007). Complete pain relief was more common in the surgical group compared to the endoscopy group, both at medium term (33% vs. 17%, RR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.16-3.36, p = 0.01) and long term (35% vs. 18%, RR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.15-3.20, p = 0.01). The pooled crossover rate from endoscopy to surgery was 22% (22/99).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment in patients with painful CP leads to better pain control, requiring fewer interventions as compared to endoscopic treatment.

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy and modified Frey's procedure for patients of chronic pancreatitis: A 10-year experience

INTRODUCTION

To mitigate the morbidity associated with open procedures for chronic pancreatitis (CP), there is a paradigm shift towards the laparoscopic approach. However, since these procedures are technically demanding, literature is still limited. We present our experience and long-term outcomes in the management of CP with laparoscopic surgical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent a laparoscopic surgery for CP between 2009 and 2019. Pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were compared pre- and postoperatively. In patients with diabetes, the pre- and post-operative insulin requirement was compared.

RESULTS

Data of 62 patients were analysed. The mean duration of follow-up was 69 (±22) months. All patients had pain relief post-surgery. The relief of pain was sustained, with the median VAS scores being 1 at 3- and 5-year follow-up. There was a decrease in the median insulin requirement of diabetic patients, which was significant at 3-month and 1-year follow-up ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that laparoscopic surgical procedures offer long-term pain control with low morbidity. Effective ductal decompression may result in a short-term improvement of the endocrine function of the gland.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis: A Bicentric Retrospective Experience

INTRODUCTION

The impact of surgery on nutritional status, pancreatic function, and symptoms of patients affected by chronic pancreatitis (CP) has not been unequivocally determined. This study aimed to evaluate clinical follow-up after surgery for CP in an Italian-Austrian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients operated for CP at two high-volume centers between 2000 and 2018 were analyzed. The following parameters were compared between the pre- and postoperative period: nutritional status, endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions, and chronic pain.

RESULTS

Overall, 186 patients underwent surgery for CP. Among these, 68 (40%) answered a specific follow-up questionnaire. The body mass index showed a significant increase between pre- and postoperative assessments (21.1 vs. 22.5 p = 0.003). Furthermore, a 60% decrease in the prevalence of chronic pain (81 vs. 21%, p < 0.001) was observed. On the contrary, both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions pointed toward a worsening after surgery, with consistent higher rates of patients presenting with diabetes mellitus, as well as patients requiring insulin therapy and oral intake of pancreatic enzymes. The analysis of body composition performed on 40 (24%) patients with a complete imaging pack revealed no significant change in the nutritional status after surgery.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Despite the good results observed in terms of pain relief, the surgical approach led to a consistent worsening of the global pancreatic function. No significant influence of surgery on the nutritional status of patients was detected.

Short- and long-term outcomes of a disruption and disconnection of the pancreatic duct in necrotizing pancreatitis: a multicenter cohort study in 896 patients : Disrupted pancreatic duct in acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Necrotizing pancreatitis may result in a disrupted or disconnected pancreatic duct (DPD) with the potential for long lasting negative impact on a patient's clinical outcome. There is a lack of detailed data on the full clinical spectrum of DPD which is critical for the development of better diagnostic and treatment strategies.

METHODS

We performed a long-term post-hoc analysis of a prospectively collected nationwide cohort of 896 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (2005-2015). The median follow-up after hospital admission was 75 months (P25-P75:41-151). Clinical outcomes of patients with and without DPD were compared using regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders. Predictive features for DPD were explored.

RESULTS

DPD was confirmed in 243 (27%) of the 896 patients and resulted in worse clinical outcomes during both the patient's initial admission and follow-up. During hospital admission, DPD was associated with an increased rate of new-onset intensive care unit admission (adjusted-OR2.52 [95%-CI 1.62-3.93]), new-onset organ failure (adjusted-OR2.26 [95%-CI 1.45-3.55]), infected necrosis (adjusted-OR4.63 [95%-CI 2.87-7.64]) and pancreatic interventions (adjusted-OR7.55 [95%-CI 4.23-13.96]). During long-term follow-up, DPD increased the risk of pancreatic intervention (adjusted-OR9.71 [95%-CI 5.37-18.30], recurrent pancreatitis (adjusted-OR2.08 [95%-CI 1.32-3.29]), chronic pancreatitis (adjusted-OR2.73 [95%-CI 1.47-5.15]) and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (adjusted-OR1.63 [95%-CI 1.05-2.53]).Central or subtotal pancreatic necrosis on computed tomography (CT), (OR9.49 [95%-CI 6.31-14.29] and a high levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in the first 48 hours after admission (per 10 points increase, OR1.02 [95%-CI 1.00-1.03] were identified as independent predictors for developing DPD.

CONCLUSIONS

At least one of every four patients with necrotizing pancreatitis suffer from DPD which is associated with detrimental, short and long-term interventions and complications. Central and subtotal pancreatic necrosis and high levels of serum CRP in the first 48 hours are independent predictors for DPD.

Surgical drainage procedures for paediatric chronic pancreatitis: a scoping review

Paediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a relatively rare entity, but it can be accompanied by debilitating complications such as pseudocysts, chronic pain and pancreatic duct obstruction. Surgical drainage procedures, such as pancreaticojejunostomy or cystogastrostomy/jejunostomy to address these complications may be required; however, there is a paucity of evidence as to the efficacy and long-term outcomes of these operations in the paediatric population. A scoping review of contemporary (post-2000) studies detailing surgical pancreatic drainage procedures performed in children (< 18 years) was undertaken. After screening, 24 case series detailing a total of 248 patients met the inclusion criteria. Longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy and cystogastrostomy were the most common surgical procedures performed in children with CP and pseudocysts, respectively. Overall generally favourable outcomes were reported, but all studies were considered to have a high risk of bias. Operative management for paediatric CP is infrequently required; therefore, large prospective studies or trials focusing on this population are infeasible, limiting the best available evidence on the topic to case series, level IV. Recommendations to improve the quality of surgical care in the paediatric CP population could include centralisation and the formation of registries to allow accurate long-term follow-up.

One hundred most cited articles related to Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has developed over the past few decades into a reliable technology for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through a bibliometric analysis, this research attempted to evaluate the characteristics of the top 100 articles on ERCP that had the most citations.

Methods

We extracted pertinent publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) on July 9, 2022. The top 100 ERCP articles with the most citations were identified and analyzed. The following data were extracted: publication year, country/region, organization, total citation times, annual citation times, research type and research field, etc. To implement the network’s visual analysis, a bibliographic coupling network based on keywords was built using the VOSviewer 1.6.17 program.

Results

The journal with the most publications were GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY, with 45 articles. Most of the top 100 articles came from the United States (n = 47) and Italy (n = 14). Indiana University and the University of Amsterdam were among the most important institutions in ERCP research. ML Freeman of the University of Minnesota contributed the highest number (n = 9) and the most highly cited paper. The age of the paper and article type is closely related to citation frequency. Of the 100 most-cited articles, clinical application in the field of ERCP has focused on three aspects: diagnosis, treatment, and complications. Clinical use of ERCP has shifted from diagnosis to treatment. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is the focus of attention, and the clinical application of technically complex therapeutic ERCP is the future development trend.

Conclusion

This study lists the most influential articles in ERCP by exposing the current state of the field, and showing the evolution of research trends to provide perspective for the future development of ERCP.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloons for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct interventions

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided main pancreatic duct (PD) access may be used when conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques fail. The use of a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon (PTAB), originally developed for vascular interventions, can be used to facilitate transmural (e.g., transgastric) PD access and to dilate high-grade pancreatic strictures.

AIM

To describe the technique, efficacy, and safety of PTABs for EUS-guided PD interventions.

METHODS

Patients who underwent EUS with use of a PTAB from March 2011 to August 2021 were retrospectively identified from a tertiary care medical center supply database. PTABs included 3-4 French angioplasty catheters with 3-4 mm balloons designed to use over a 0.018-inch guidewire. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included incidence of adverse events (AEs) and need for early reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were identified (48% female, mean age 55.8 years). Chronic pancreatitis was the underlying etiology in 13 (56.5%) patients, surgically altered anatomy (SAA) with stricture in 7 (30.4%), and SAA with post-operative leak in 3 (13.0%). Technical success was achieved in 20 (87%) cases. Overall AE rate was 26% (n = 6). All AEs were mild and included 1 pancreatic duct leak, 2 cases of post-procedure pancreatitis, and 3 admissions for post-procedural pain. No patients required early re-intervention.

CONCLUSION

EUS-guided use of PTABs for PD access and/or stricture management is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and can be considered in patients when conventional ERCP cannulation fails.

EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct for the treatment of postoperative stenosis of pancreatico-digestive anastomosis or pancreatic duct stenosis complicating chronic pancreatitis: Experience at a tertiary care center

Background and Objectives

For the treatment of pancreatic duct stenosis due to chronic pancreatitis (CP) or postoperative (PO) stenosis, endoscopic procedures are usually the first choice. In cases of failure of the recommended treatment by ERCP, anastomosis between the Wirsung duct and the stomach or duodenum can be performed under EUS guidance. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of pancreatico-gastric or pancreaticoduodenal anastomosis under EUS for PO stenosis versus CP stenosis.

Subjects and Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, consecutive case study of patients who underwent EUS-guided Wirsungo-gastric/bulbar anastomosis.

Results

Forty-three patients were included. Twenty-one patients underwent treatment for PO stenosis, and 22 patients underwent treatment for CP stenosis. The technical success rate was 95.3% (41/43), with 100% in cases of PO stenosis and 90.9% in cases of CP stenosis. The clinical success rate was 72.5% (29/40): 75% (15/20) in cases of PO stenosis and 70% (14/20) in cases of CP stenosis. The overall morbidity rate was 34.9% (15/43). The main complication was postprocedural pain, occurring in 20.9% (9/443) of patients. The rate of stent migration or obstruction was 27.9% (12/43). There was no difference in patient outcomes or morbidity according to the etiology of the stenosis. The median follow-up duration in this study was 14 months.

Conclusions

EUS-guided Wirsungo-gastric/duodenal anastomosis is a feasible, minimally invasive, safe, and relatively effective procedure. The rates of technical success, clinical success, and complications were not different between patients with PO and CP stenosis. However, the follow-up period was too short to assess recurrent symptoms in these patients.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic pancreatitis 2021

BACKGROUND

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is defined according to the recently proposed mechanistic definition as a pathological fibro-inflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in individuals with genetic, environmental, and/or other risk factors who develop persistent pathological responses to parenchymal injury or stress.

METHODS

The clinical practice guidelines for CP in Japan were revised in 2021 based on the 2019 Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria for CP, which incorporate the concept of a pathogenic fibro-inflammatory syndrome in the pancreas. In this third edition, clinical questions are reclassified into clinical questions, background questions, and future research questions.

RESULTS

Based on analysis of newly accumulated evidence, the strength of evidence and recommendations for each clinical question is described in terms of treatment selection, lifestyle guidance, pain control, treatment of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, and treatment of complications. A flowchart outlining indications, treatment selection, and policies for cases in which treatment is ineffective is provided. For pain control, pharmacological treatment and the indications and timing for endoscopic and surgical treatment have been updated in the revised edition.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated guidelines provide clinicians with useful information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of CP.

EUS guided pancreatic duct decompression in surgically altered anatomy or failed ERCP - A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression

INTRODUCTION

EUS-PD (EUS guided pancreatic duct drainage) is classified into two types: EUS-guided rendezvous techniques and EUS-guided PD stenting. Prior studies showed significant variation in terms of technical success, clinical success and adverse events.

METHODS

Three independent reviewers performed a comprehensive review of all original articles published from inception to June 2020, describing pancreatic duct drainage utilizing EUS. Primary outcomes were technical success, clinical success of EUS-PDD and safety of EUS-PD in terms of adverse events. All meta-analysis and meta-regression tests were 2-tailed. Finally, probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Egger's test.

RESULTS

A total of sixteen studies (503 patients) described the use of EUS-PD for pancreatic duct decompression yielded a pooled technical success rate was 81.4% (95% CI 72-88.1, I 2 = 74). Meta-regression revealed that proportion of altered anatomy and method of dilation of tract explain the variance. Overall pooled clinical success rate was 84.6% (95% CI 75.4-90.8, I 2 = 50.18). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the type of pancreatic duct decompression, proportion of altered anatomy and follow up time explained the variance. Overall pooled adverse event rate was 21.3% (95% CI 16.8-26.7, I 2 = 36.6). The most common post procedure adverse event was post procedure pain. Overall pooled adverse event rate of post EUS-PD pancreatitis was 5% (95% CI 3.2-7.8, I 2 = 0).

CONCLUSION

The systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression provides answer to the questions of the overall technical success, clinical success and the adverse event rate of EUS-PD by summarizing the available literature.

Safety and efficacy of EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage in symptomatic main pancreatic duct obstruction: Is there still a place for surgery?

Background and study aims In patients with symptomatic dilation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) for whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is impossible, surgery has long been the only available treatment. EUS-PD is described as a minimally invasive alternative for ductal decompression surgery. We describe the results of our experience with it.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective single-center study over 9 years. Twenty-seven patients, median age 61.8 years (range 36 to 85) who underwent EUS-PD for symptomatic MPD dilatation were included. The main objective was to evaluate the technical success (placement of a plastic stent between the stomach and the MPD). Secondary objectives were to document clinical success based on pain and quality of life (visual analogic scales and treatments) and complication rates, and to define a standardized management algorithm.

Results The technical success rate was 92.5 %. The rate of minor adverse events was 21 % (4 cases of non-specific postoperative pain and two cases of delayed benign edematous pancreatitis). The clinical success rate was 88 %, and half of patients in whom the procedure was successful had "complete regression" of pain and half "partial regression." Median follow-up was 34.2 months (range 4 to 108). During follow-up, 74 % of patients reported improvement in quality of life and no patients required secondary surgery.

Conclusion Provided it is performed in an expert center, EUS-PD is a minimally invasive, effective, and safe alternative to pancreatic surgical drainage in patients with symptomatic MPD dilatation with failure or in whom ERCP is impossible.

Pain Management in Chronic Pancreatitis: Summary of Clinical Practice, Current Challenges and Potential Contribution of the M-ANNHEIM Classification

Abdominal pain, diarrhea with weight loss, and endocrine insufficiency represent the dominant symptoms of chronic pancreatitis (CP). High intensity of pain and constant pain have been shown to reduce quality of life in CP and may result in disability and increased health resource utilization. Various basic challenges and unanswered questions still exist regarding the treatment of pain in CP. Recently, limited evidence has been gained that early surgery for painful disease might be associated with better treatment results. Thus, timing of pancreatic surgery in painful disease represents a major issue that needs to be clarified in future studies. In this context, surveillance of patients is necessary in clinical practice. It appears that a generally accepted classification of the disease represents a major requirement for inter-institutional comparison of data with future progress in clinical research. Among recently proposed classification systems, the M-ANNHEIM classification system of CP with its recently presented M-ANNHEIM Surgery Score might be a useful tool to picture the course of the disease and to monitor treatment results. Future research is required to clarify the possible role of this system in the management of pain in CP. In the present article, we provide an overview of current status, challenges, and unanswered questions in the treatment of pain in CP, and we demonstrate the potential benefits of the M-ANNHEIM classification system in the management of painful CP.

Assessment of functional outcome of patients undergoing surgery for chronic pancreatitis: A prospective study

Backgrounds/Aims

This study was done with the aim of assessing impact of surgery for chronic pancreatitis on exocrine and endocrine functions, quality of life and pain relief of patients.

Methods

35 patients of chronic pancreatitis who underwent surgery were included. Exocrine function assessed with fecal fat globule estimation and endocrine function assessed with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Insulin and C-peptide levels. Percentage (%) beta cell function by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) was determined using web-based calculator. Quality of life (QOL) and pain assessment was done using Short form survey (SF-36) questionnaire and Izbicki scores respectively. Follow up done till 3 months following surgery.

Results

Endocrine insufficiency was noted in 13 (37%) patients in the postoperative period compared to 17 (49%) patients preoperatively (p=0.74). Exocrine insufficiency was detected in 11 (32%) patients postoperatively compared to 8 (23%) patients preoperatively, with denovo insufficiency noted in 3 (8%) patients (p<0.05). The mean Izbicki score at 3 months postoperatively was remarkably lower compared to preoperative score (29.3±14.3 vs. 60.6±12.06; p<0.05). QOL at 3 months following surgery for chronic pancreatitis was significantly better than preoperative QOL (50.24±22.16 vs. 69.48±20.81; p<0.05).

Conclusions

Significant pain relief and improvement in quality of life among patients of chronic pancreatitis following surgery. However, worsening of exocrine function with only clinical improvement of endocrine function was also noted.

International consensus guidelines for surgery and the timing of intervention in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disease with pain as the predominant symptom. Pain relief can be achieved using invasive interventions such as endoscopy and surgery. This paper is part of the international consensus guidelines on CP and presents the consensus guideline for surgery and timing of intervention in CP.

METHODS

An international working group with 15 experts on CP surgery from the major pancreas societies (IAP, APA, JPS, and EPC) evaluated 20 statements generated from evidence on 5 questions deemed to be the most clinically relevant in CP. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the level of evidence available for each statement. To determine the level of agreement, the working group voted on the 20 statements for strength of agreement, using a nine-point Likert scale in order to calculate Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient.

RESULTS

Strong consensus was obtained for the following statements: Surgery in CP is indicated as treatment of intractable pain and local complications of adjacent organs, and in case of suspicion of malignant (cystic) lesion; Early surgery is favored over surgery in a more advanced stage of disease to achieve optimal long-term pain relief; In patients with an enlarged pancreatic head, a combined drainage and resection procedure, such as the Frey, Beger, and Berne procedure, may be the treatment of choice; Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the most suitable surgical option for patients with groove pancreatitis; The risk of pancreatic carcinoma in patients with CP is too low (2% in 10 year) to recommend active screening or prophylactic surgery; Patients with hereditary CP have such a high risk of pancreatic cancer that prophylactic resection can be considered (lifetime risk of 40-55%). Weak agreement for procedure choice in patients with dilated duct and normal size pancreatic head: both the extended lateral pancreaticojejunostomy and Frey procedure seems to provide equivalent pain control in patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This international expert consensus guideline provides evidenced-based statements concerning key aspects in surgery and timing of intervention in CP. It is meant to guide clinical practitioners and surgeons in the treatment of patients with CP.

Effect of Early Surgery vs Endoscopy-First Approach on Pain in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis: The ESCAPE Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

For patients with painful chronic pancreatitis, surgical treatment is postponed until medical and endoscopic treatment have failed. Observational studies have suggested that earlier surgery could mitigate disease progression, providing better pain control and preserving pancreatic function.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether early surgery is more effective than the endoscopy-first approach in terms of clinical outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The ESCAPE trial was an unblinded, multicenter, randomized clinical superiority trial involving 30 Dutch hospitals participating in the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group. From April 2011 until September 2016, a total of 88 patients with chronic pancreatitis, a dilated main pancreatic duct, and who only recently started using prescribed opioids for severe pain (strong opioids for ≤2 months or weak opioids for ≤6 months) were included. The 18-month follow-up period ended in March 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

There were 44 patients randomized to the early surgery group who underwent pancreatic drainage surgery within 6 weeks after randomization and 44 patients randomized to the endoscopy-first approach group who underwent medical treatment, endoscopy including lithotripsy if needed, and surgery if needed.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was pain, measured on the Izbicki pain score and integrated over 18 months (range, 0-100 [increasing score indicates more pain severity]). Secondary outcomes were pain relief at the end of follow-up; number of interventions, complications, hospital admissions; pancreatic function; quality of life (measured on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]); and mortality.

RESULTS

Among 88 patients who were randomized (mean age, 52 years; 21 (24%) women), 85 (97%) completed the trial. During 18 months of follow-up, patients in the early surgery group had a lower Izbicki pain score than patients in the group randomized to receive the endoscopy-first approach group (37 vs 49; between-group difference, -12 points [95% CI, -22 to -2]; P = .02). Complete or partial pain relief at end of follow-up was achieved in 23 of 40 patients (58%) in the early surgery vs 16 of 41 (39%)in the endoscopy-first approach group (P = .10). The total number of interventions was lower in the early surgery group (median, 1 vs 3; P < .001). Treatment complications (27% vs 25%), mortality (0% vs 0%), hospital admissions, pancreatic function, and quality of life were not significantly different between early surgery and the endoscopy-first approach.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with chronic pancreatitis, early surgery compared with an endoscopy-first approach resulted in lower pain scores when integrated over 18 months. However, further research is needed to assess persistence of differences over time and to replicate the study findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN45877994.

Long-term results of resection of the head of the pancreas due to chronic pancreatitis: Pancreaticoduodenectomy or duodenum-preserving cephalic pancreatectomy?

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain in chronic pancreatitis is difficult to manage. The objective of our study is to assess the control of pain that is refractory to medical treatment in patients with an inflammatory mass in the head of the pancreas, as well as to compare the two surgical techniques.

METHODS

A retrospective study included patients treated surgically between 1989 and 2011 who had been refractory to medical treatment with inflammation of the head of the pancreas. An analysis of the short and long-term results was done to compare patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and/or resection of the head of the pancreas with duodenal preservation (RHPDP).

RESULTS

22 PD and 12 RHPDP were performed. Postoperative complications were observed in 14% of patients, the most frequent being delayed gastric emptying (14.7%) and pancreatic fistula (11.7%). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of surgical technique. Pain control was satisfactory in 85% of patients, 43% presented de novo diabetes mellitus, and 88% returned to their work activities. Fourteen patients died during follow-up, 7 due to malignancies, and some were related to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The overall 5 and 10 year survival rates were 88% and 75% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cephalic resection in patients with intractable pain in chronic pancreatitis is an effective therapy that provides good long-term results in terms of pain control, with no significant differences between the two surgical techniques. Patients with chronic pancreatitis have a high mortality rate associated with de novo malignancies.

Treatment of disrupted and disconnected pancreatic duct in necrotizing pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing pancreatitis may lead to loss of integrity of the pancreatic duct, resulting in leakage of pancreatic fluid. Pancreatic duct disruption or disconnection is associated with a prolonged disease course and particular complications. Since a standard treatment for this condition is currently lacking, we performed a systematic review of the literature to compare outcomes of various treatment strategies.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Included were articles considering the treatment of patients with disrupted or disconnected pancreatic duct resulting from acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Overall, 21 observational cohort studies were included comprising a total of 583 relevant patients. The most frequently used treatment strategies included endoscopic transpapillary drainage, endoscopic transluminal drainage, surgical drainage or resection, or combined procedures. Pooled analysis showed success rates of 81% (95%-CI: 60-92%) for transpapillary and 92% (95%-CI: 77-98%) for transluminal drainage, 80% (95%-CI: 67-89%) for distal pancreatectomy and 84% (95%-CI: 73-91%) for cyst-jejunostomy. Success rates did not differ between surgical procedures (cyst-jejunostomy and distal pancreatectomy (risk ratio = 1.06, p = .26)) but distal pancreatectomy was associated with a higher incidence of endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (risk ratio = 3.06, p = .01). The success rate of conservative treatment is unknown.

DISCUSSION

Different treatment strategies for pancreatic duct disruption and duct disconnection after necrotizing pancreatitis show high success rates but various sources of bias in the available studies are likely. High-quality prospective, studies, including unselected patients, are needed to establish the most effective treatment in specific subgroups of patients, including timing of treatment and long-term follow-up.

Risk Factors Associated With Progression Toward Endocrine Insufficiency in Chronic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Little data exist describing the change over time in islet function and glycemic control in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

METHODS

In 325 CP patients who underwent 2 mixed meal tolerance tests and/or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, we estimated the rate of change in metabolic measures per 6 months and assessed the association between potential risk factors for diabetes and rate of change using multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

Per 6-month time, HbA1c increased by 0.062% with a standard error of 0.029% (P = 0.037) and the ratio (area under the curve (AUC) C-peptide to AUC glucose from mixed meal tolerance testing) decreased by 0.0028 with a standard error of 0.0011 (P = 0.014). We observed more rapid decline in smokers (AUC C-peptide, P = 0.043) and patients with surgical drainage (AUC glucose, P = 0.001; ratio, P = 0.03) or with calcific pancreatitis (HbA1c, P = 0.003). In multivariate models, AUC C-peptide and ratio declined at a greater rate in smokers and HbA1c in those with pancreatic calcifications (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a measurable decline in β-cell function and glycemic control in patients with CP. Patients with a history of tobacco smoking, surgical drainage, or pancreatic calcification may be at highest risk.

Laparoscopic pancreatic neck transection and double pancreatico-jejunostomy, an alternative surgical approach to chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a benign inflammatory process that results symptoms pertaining to loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Pain poses a great challenge in the management of CP and intractable pain represents the main indication for surgical intervention. Surgical options for CP ranges from pancreatic resection to pure drainage procedures. Herein, we present the case of 68 year-old female with recurrent abdominal pain due to chronic pancreatitis, who underwent successful laparoscopic pancreatic neck transection and double pancreatico-jejunostomy (duct-to-mucosa). Pre-operative imaging revealed a uniformly dilated pancreatic duct with encrusted pancreatic stone in the pancreatic head near the ampulla of Vater, with no inflammatory mass. Pre-operative laboratory work-ups were all normal. Pancreas texture was noted to be intermediate to soft. During pancreatic neck transection, there was spontaneous deviation of distal stump laterally leaving an ample space to accommodate jejunal loop. PD measured 8 mm. The standard duct to mucosa double layer simple interrupted suture was used for PJ anastomosis. There were no significant intra-operative events. No transfusion was required. Total operation time was 297 minutes, and it took 129 minutes for laparoscopic PJ completion. Immediate post-operative course was unremarkable. This case suggests laparoscopic double PJ can be an alternative surgical approach to reduce the pancreatic duct pressure in chronic pancreatitis. Based on accumulating experiences, long-term outcome also needs to be investigated to address potential role of this technique.

Indications for Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Drainage: For Benign or Malignant Cases?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recurrent pancreatitis associated with pancreatic strictures requires treatment with endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP), but it is sometimes technically unsuccessful. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) was developed as an alternative to a surgical approach after failed ERP; however, the indications for EUS-PD are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of EUS-PD and established the indications for EUS-PD.

METHODS

A total of 15 patients had indications for EUS-PD for recurrent pancreatitis due to pancreatic strictures. There were eight patients with benign pancreatic strictures and seven with malignant pancreatic strictures. The success rate, adverse events, and long-term outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The technical success rates of benign and malignant strictures were 75% (6/8) and 100% (7/7), respectively, and clinical success was achieved in 100% (6/6) and 87.5% of cases (6/7), respectively. Rendezvous procedures were performed in two patients with benign strictures. The adverse event (AE) rate was 26.7% (4/15) and included cases of peritonitis, bleeding, and stent migration. Reinterventions were performed in three patients with benign strictures and two with malignant strictures.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-PD was an appropriate treatment for not only benign strictures but also malignant strictures with recurrent pancreatitis after failed ERP. However, the AE rate was high, and reinterventions were required in some cases during long-term follow-up. The indications for EUS-PD should be considered carefully, and careful follow-up is needed.

Earlier surgery improves outcomes from painful chronic pancreatitis

The timing of surgery for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) may affect outcomes.Clinical course, Izbicki pain scores, and pancreatic function were retrospectively compared and analyzed between patients undergoing either early or late surgery (< 3 or ≥ 3 years from diagnosis) for painful CP in a single center from 2007 to 2012.The early surgery group (n = 98) more frequently than the late group (n = 199) had abdominal pain with jaundice (22.4% vs 9.5%, P = .002) and pancreatic mass +/- ductal dilatation (47% vs 27%, P < .001), but less frequently abdominal pain alone (73.5% vs 85.9%, P = .009), ductal dilatation alone (31% vs 71%, P < .001), parenchymal calcification (91.8% vs 100%, P < .001) or exocrine insufficiency (60% vs 72%, P = .034); there were no other significant differences. The early group had longer hospital stay (14.4 vs 12.2 days, P = .009), but no difference in complications. Significantly greater pain relief followed early surgery (complete 69% vs 47%, partial 22% vs 37%, none 8% vs 16%, P = .01) with lower rates of exocrine (60% vs 80%, P = .005) and endocrine insufficiency (36% vs 53%, P = .033).Our data indicate that early surgery results in higher rates of pain relief and pancreatic sufficiency than late surgery for chronic pancreatitis patients. Frey and Berne procedures showed better results than other surgical procedures.

Management of Benign and Malignant Pancreatic Duct Strictures

The diagnosis and management of pancreatic strictures, whether malignant or benign, remain challenging. The last 2 decades have seen dramatic progress in terms of both advanced imaging and endoscopic therapy. While plastic stents remain the cornerstone of the treatment of benign strictures, the advent of fully covered metal stents has initiated a new wave of interest in calibrating the pancreatic duct with fewer sessions. In malignant disease, palliation remains the priority and further data are necessary before offering systematic pancreatic stenting.

Evidence-Based Surgical Treatments for Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

If conservative treatment of chronic pancreatitis is unsuccessful, surgery is an option. The choice of the most suitable surgical method can be difficult, as the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the available methods have not yet been fully documented with scientific evidence.

METHODS

In April 2015, we carried out a temporally unlimited systematic search for publications on surgery for chronic pancreatitis. The target parameters were morbidity, mortality, pain, endocrine and exocrine insuffi - ciency, weight gain, quality of life, length of hospital stay, and duration of urgery. Differences between surgical methods were studied with network meta-analysis, and duodenum-preserving operations were compared with partial duodenopancreatectomy with standard meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 326 articles initially identified, 8 randomized controlled trials on a total of 423 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The trials were markedly heterogeneous in some respects. There was no significant difference among surgical methods with respect to perioperative morbidity, pain, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, or quality of life. Duodenumpreserving procedures, compared to duodenopancreatectomy, were associated with a long-term weight gain that was 3 kg higher (p <0.001; three trials), a mean length of hospital stay that was 3 days shorter (p = 0.009; six trials), and a duration of surgery that was 2 hours shorter (p <0.001; five trials).

CONCLUSION

Duodenum-preserving surgery for chronic pancreatitis is superior to partial duodenopancreatectomy in multiple respects. Only limited recommendations can be given, however, on the basis of present data. The question of the best surgical method for the individual patient, in view of the clinical manifestations, anatomy, and diagnostic criteria, remains open.

Partial pancreatoduodenectomy versus duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection in chronic pancreatitis: the multicentre, randomised, controlled, double-blind ChroPac trial

BACKGROUND

There is substantial uncertainty regarding the optimal surgical treatment for chronic pancreatitis. Short-term outcomes have been found to be better after duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) than after partial pancreatoduodenectomy. Therefore, we designed the multicentre ChroPac trial to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with chronic pancreatitis within 24 months after surgery.

METHODS

This randomised, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, superiority trial was done in 18 hospitals across Europe. Patients with chronic pancreatitis who were planned for elective surgical treatment were randomly assigned to DPPHR or partial pancreatoduodenectomy with a central web-based randomisation tool. The primary endpoint was mean quality of life within 24 months after surgery, measured with the physical functioning scale of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Primary analysis included all patients who underwent one of the assigned procedures; safety analysis included all patients who underwent surgical intervention (categorised into groups as treated). Patients and outcome assessors were masked to group assignment. The trial was registered, ISRCTN38973832. Recruitment was completed on Sept 3, 2013.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 10, 2009, and Sept 3, 2013, 250 patients were randomly assigned to DPPHR (n=125) or partial pancreatoduodenectomy (n=125), of whom 226 patients (115 in the DPPHR group and 111 in the partial pancreatoduodenectomy group) were analysed. No difference in quality of life was seen between the groups within 24 months after surgery (75·3 [SD 16·4] for partial pancreatoduodenectomy vs 73·0 [16·4] for DPPHR; mean difference -2·3, 95% CI -6·6 to 2·0; p=0·284). The incidence and severity of serious adverse events did not differ between the groups. 70 (64%) of 109 patients in the DPPHR group and 61 (52%) of 117 patients in the partial pancreatoduodenectomy group had at least one serious adverse event, with the most common being reoperations (for reasons other than chronic pancreatitis), gastrointestinal problems, and other surgical morbidity.

INTERPRETATION

No differences in quality of life after surgery for chronic pancreatitis were seen between the interventions. Results from single-centre trials showing superiority for DPPHR were not confirmed in the multicentre setting.

FUNDING

German Research Foundation (DFG).

Endoscopic vs. Surgical Interventions for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis: What is Needed for Future Clinical Trials

The treatment of painful chronic pancreatitis remains controversial. The available evidence from two randomized controlled trials favor surgical intervention, whereas an endotherapy-first approach is widely practiced. Chronic pancreatitis is complex disease with different genetic and environmental factors, different pain mechanisms and different treatment modalities including medical, endoscopic, and surgical. The widely practiced step-up approach remains unproven. In designing future clinical trials there are some important pre-requisites including a more comprehensive pain assessment tool, the optimization of conservative medical treatment and interventional techniques. Consideration should be given to the need of a control arm and the optimal timing of intervention. Pending better designed studies, the practical way forward is to identify subgroups of patients who clearly warrant endotherapy or surgery first, and to design the future clinical trials for the remainder.

The impact of surgical strategies on outcomes for pediatric chronic pancreatitis

PURPOSE

To review our institutional experience in the surgical treatment of pediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) and evaluate predictors of long-term pain relief.

METHODS

Outcomes of patients ≤21 years surgically treated for CP in a single institution from 1995 to 2014 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty patients underwent surgery for CP at a median of 16.6 years (IQR 10.7-20.6 years). The most common etiology was pancreas divisum (n = 7; 35%). Therapeutic endoscopy was the first-line treatment in 17 cases (85%). Surgical procedures included: longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (n = 4, 20%), pancreatectomy (n = 9, 45%), total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (n = 2; 10%), sphincteroplasty (n = 2, 10%) and pseudocyst drainage (n = 3, 15%). At a median follow-up of 5.3 years (IQR 4.2-5.3), twelve patients (63.2%) were pain free and five (26.3%) were insulin dependent. In univariate analysis, previous surgical procedure or >5 endoscopic treatments were associated with a lower likelihood of pain relief (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.006-0.57; OR 0.07; 95%, CI 0.01-0.89). However, these associations were not present in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In children with CP, the step-up practice including a limited trial of endoscopic interventions followed by surgery tailored to anatomical abnormalities and gene mutation status is effective in ensuring long-term pain relief and preserving pancreatic function.

EUS-guided pancreatic drainage for pancreatic strictures after failed ERCP: a multicenter international collaborative study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is considered first-line therapy for management of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction. Technical failure with ERP occurs when the main pancreatic duct cannot be cannulated. EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for failed conventional ERP. We present an international, multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) for patients who fail conventional endoscopic therapy.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2015, 80 patients underwent EUS-PD at 4 academic centers in 3 countries. Patient demographics, medical history, procedure data, and follow-up clinical data were collected. Technical success was defined as successful pancreatic duct drainage with stent placement. Clinical success was defined as resolution or improvement of symptoms or improvement on postprocedure imaging.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (62.5% men; mean age, 58.2 ± 15.5 years) were included. All patients had attempted ERP and/or extracorporeal lithotripsy if needed before EUS-PD. Technical success was achieved in 89% of patients (n = 71). Clinical success was achieved in 81% of patients overall (65/80) and in 92% of patients who achieved technical success (65/71). Immediate adverse events occurred in 20% of patients (n = 16) and delayed adverse events occurred in 11% of patients (n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

With appropriate endoscopic expertise, EUS-PD offers a minimally invasive, more effective, and safer alternative to some surgical PD procedures. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01522573.).

Clinical chronic pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize observations in clinical chronic pancreatitis in the past year.

RECENT FINDINGS

A predisposing genetic mutation was identified in 67% of cases of pediatric chronic pancreatitis. A novel susceptibility gene involving a hybrid allele is associated with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. ABO blood type B and FUT2 nonsecretor status is associated with asymptomatic hyperlipasemia and chronic pancreatitis. Alcohol consumption impairs cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activity leading to decreased bicarbonate secretion and patients with susceptible CFTR mutations can develop clinical pancreatitis. Computed tomography imaging findings in chronic pancreatitis correlate poorly with pain patterns. Endoscopic ultrasound features correlate poorly with fibrosis. Circulating epithelial cells are present in chronic pancreatitis patients but not healthy volunteers. Surgery is superior to endoscopic treatment in providing durable pain relief (>5 years). Repetitive pancreatic duct stent placements and chronic narcotic use are preoperative predictors of poor outcome after total pancreatectomy with islet cell auto transplantation.

SUMMARY

Novel genetic mutations for idiopathic chronic pancreatitis are being identified. Alcohol impairs CFTR activity and may explain a mechanism for pancreatitis. Current imaging modalities correlate poorly with clinical pain presentation and fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. Novel imaging modalities are needed. As total pancreatectomy with islet cell auto transplantation grows, rigorous outcomes analysis is needed to drive patient selection.

Predictors of Post-Operative Pain Relief in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis Undergoing the Frey or Whipple Procedure

BACKGROUND

Post-operative pain relief in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is variable. Our objective was to determine clinical imaging or histopathologic predictor(s) of post-operative pain relief in CP patients undergoing the Whipple or Frey procedure.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a Whipple (n = 30) or Frey procedure (n = 30) for painful CP between January 2003 and September 2013 were evaluated. A toxic etiology was defined as a history of alcohol use and/or smoking. The pre-operative abdominal CT was evaluated for calcification(s) and main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilation (≥5 mm). The post-operative histopathology was evaluated for severe fibrosis. Clinical imaging and histopathologic features were evaluated as predictors of post-operative pain relief using univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients (age 51.6 years, 53% males) were included in our study, of whom 42 (70%) reported post-operative pain relief over a mean follow-up of 1.1 years. There were 37 (62%) patients with toxic etiology, 36 (60%) each with calcification(s) and MPD dilation. A toxic etiology, calcifications, and severe fibrosis were associated with post-operative pain relief on univariable analysis (all p < 0.01). However, only a toxic etiology was an independent predictor of post-operative pain relief (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.3, 24.5, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Only a toxic etiology, and not imaging or histopathologic findings, independently predicts post-operative pain relief in CP patients undergoing the Whipple or Frey procedure.

Evaluation of Pain Preoperatively and Postoperatively in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis Undergoing Longitudinal Pancreaticojejunostomy

Chronic pancreatitis is a fairly common condition with pain being the major symptom, and longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) is performed for symptomatic relief. The aim of the study is to assess relief of pain post-LPJ for chronic pancreatitis and to evaluate the factors influencing relief of symptoms. A prospective observational non-interventional study enrolling 28 patients. This study involved a questionnaire studying various risk factors and pain related to chronic pancreatitis, pancreaticojejunostomy, and postoperative assessment of pain relief at 1 and 6 months from surgery. Pain was assessed using Visual analogue scale (VAS). In chronic pancreatitis, there is a significant relief in symptoms of pain post-LPJ; the degree of relief was less in the alcoholics vs non-alcoholics (p = 0.09) and smokers. There was also reduction in analgesic requirement and frequency of acute attacks of pain. Fifty-seven percent of patients had a complete remission of their pain after LPJ for CP. In chronic pancreatitis, there is a significant relief in symptoms of pain post-LPJ, although the degree of relief is less in the alcoholics and smokers.

Is Timing of Medical Therapy Related to Outcome in Painful Chronic Pancreatitis?

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated if timing of medical treatment is associated with the analgesic effect of pregabalin or placebo in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

METHODS

Sixty-four patients received pregabalin (150-300 mg twice a day) or matching placebo for 3 consecutive weeks. Responders to treatment were defined as patients with a reduction in clinical pain scores of 30% or greater. Factors associated with timing of pain treatment (ie, duration of CP and opioid usage) were collected at baseline. In addition, other factors that potentially could influence outcome (eg, clinical pain scores prior to study medication, diabetes, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) were also included. Conventional groupwise logistic regression and analysis on the individual patient level with a machine learning technique were used to predict treatment response.

RESULTS

In the conventional statistical analysis duration of CP (odds ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.1; P = 0.3) and opioid treatment (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.1; P = 0.6) were not associated with pain relief. In addition, none of the supplementary factors were associated with treatment response (all P > 0.1). Likewise, in the individual patient-level analysis, none of the included variables reached classification accuracies greater than chance level (all P > 0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregabalin can be added as adjuvant analgesic at any time point during the disease course of CP.

Mechanism, assessment and management of pain in chronic pancreatitis: Recommendations of a multidisciplinary study group

DESCRIPTION

Pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) remains the primary clinical complaint and source of poor quality of life. However, clear guidance on evaluation and treatment is lacking.

METHODS

Pancreatic Pain working groups reviewed information on pain mechanisms, clinical pain assessment and pain treatment in CP. Levels of evidence were assigned using the Oxford system, and consensus was based on GRADE. A consensus meeting was held during PancreasFest 2012 with substantial post-meeting discussion, debate, and manuscript refinement.

RESULTS

Twelve discussion questions and proposed guidance statements were presented. Conference participates concluded: Disease Mechanism: Pain etiology is multifactorial, but data are lacking to effectively link symptoms with pathologic feature and molecular subtypes. Assessment of Pain: Pain should be assessed at each clinical visit, but evidence to support an optimal approach to assessing pain character, frequency and severity is lacking.

MANAGEMENT

There was general agreement on the roles for endoscopic and surgical therapies, but less agreement on optimal patient selection for medical, psychological, endoscopic, surgical and other therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Progress is occurring in pain biology and treatment options, but pain in patients with CP remains a major problem that is inadequately understood, measured and managed. The growing body of information needs to be translated into more effective clinical care.

Surgical Management of Chronic Pancreatitis

Advances over the past decade have indicated that a complex interplay between environmental factors, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, and smoking lead towards the development of chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a complex disorder that causes significant and chronic incapacity in patients and a substantial burden on the society. Major advances have been made in the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease and the role of genetic predisposition is increasingly coming to the fore. Advances in noninvasive diagnostic modalities now allow for better diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at an early stage of the disease. The impact of these advances on surgical treatment is beginning to emerge, for example, patients with certain genetic predispositions may be better treated with total pancreatectomy versus lesser procedures. Considerable controversy remains with respect to the surgical management of chronic pancreatitis. Modern understanding of the neurobiology of pain in chronic pancreatitis suggests that a window of opportunity exists for effective treatment of the intractable pain after which central sensitization can lead to an irreversible pain syndrome in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Effective surgical procedures exist for chronic pancreatitis; however, the timing of surgery is unclear. For optimal treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis, close collaboration between a multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, surgeons, and pain management physicians is needed.

Endoscopic or surgical intervention for painful obstructive chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopy and surgery are the treatment modalities of choice for patients with chronic pancreatitis and dilated pancreatic duct (obstructive chronic pancreatitis). Physicians face, without clear consensus, the choice between endoscopy or surgery for this group of patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare the effects and complications of surgical and endoscopic interventions in the management of pain for obstructive chronic pancreatitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases in The Cochrane Library: CENTRAL (2014, Issue 2), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014, Issue 2), and DARE (2014, Issue 2). We also searched the following databases up to 25 March 2014: MEDLINE (from 1950), Embase (from 1980), and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (CPCI-S) (from 1990). We performed a cross-reference search. Two review authors independently performed the selection of trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of endoscopic or surgical interventions in obstructive chronic pancreatitis. We included trials comparing endoscopic versus surgical interventions as well as trials comparing either endoscopic or surgical interventions to conservative treatment (i.e. non-invasive treatment modalities). We included relevant trials irrespective of blinding, the number of participants randomised, and the language of the article.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. Two authors independently extracted data from the articles. We evaluated the methodological quality of the included trials and requested additional information from study authors in the case of missing data.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified three eligible trials. Two trials compared endoscopic intervention with surgical intervention and included a total of 111 participants: 55 in the endoscopic group and 56 in the surgical group. Compared with the endoscopic group, the surgical group had a higher proportion of participants with pain relief, both at middle/long-term follow-up (two to five years: risk ratio (RR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.15) and long-term follow-up (≥ five years, RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.05). Surgical intervention resulted in improved quality of life and improved preservation of exocrine pancreatic function at middle/long-term follow-up (two to five years), but not at long-term follow-up (≥ 5 years). No differences were found in terms of major post-interventional complications or mortality, although the number of participants did not allow for this to be reliably evaluated. One trial, including 32 participants, compared surgical intervention with conservative treatment: 17 in the surgical group and 15 in the conservative group. The trial showed that surgical intervention resulted in a higher percentage of participants with pain relief and better preservation of pancreatic function. The trial had methodological limitations, and the number of participants was relatively small.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For patients with obstructive chronic pancreatitis and dilated pancreatic duct, this review shows that surgery is superior to endoscopy in terms of pain relief. Morbidity and mortality seem not to differ between the two intervention modalities, but the small trials identified do not provide sufficient power to detect the small differences expected in this outcome.Regarding the comparison of surgical intervention versus conservative treatment, this review has shown that surgical intervention in an early stage of chronic pancreatitis is a promising approach in terms of pain relief and pancreatic function. Other trials need to confirm these results because of the methodological limitations and limited number of participants assessed in the present evidence.

Total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation as the initial treatment for minimal-change chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Patients with minimal-change chronic pancreatitis (MCCP) are traditionally managed medically with poor results. This study was conducted to review outcomes following total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation (TP/IAT) as the initial surgical procedure in the treatment of MCCP.

METHODS

All patients submitted to TP/IAT for MCCP were identified for inclusion in a single-centre observational study. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify pertinent preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients with a mean age of 36.5 years (range: 15-60 years) underwent TP/IAT as the initial treatment for MCCP. The most common aetiology of chronic pancreatitis in this cohort was idiopathic (69.0%, n = 58), followed by aetiologies associated with genetic mutations (16.7%, n = 14), pancreatic divisum (9.5%, n = 8), and alcohol (4.8%, n = 4). The most common genetic mutations pertained to CFTR (n = 9), SPINK1 (n = 3) and PRSS1 (n = 2). Mean ± standard error of the mean preoperative narcotic requirements were 129.3 ± 18.7 morphine-equivalent milligrams (MEQ)/day. Overall, 58.3% (n = 49) of patients achieved narcotic independence and the remaining patients required 59.4 ± 10.6 MEQ/day (P < 0.05). Postoperative insulin independence was achieved by 36.9% (n = 31) of patients. The Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey administered postoperatively demonstrated improvement in all tested quality of life subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

The present report represents one of the largest series demonstrating the benefits of TP/IAT in the subset of patients with MCCP.

Cost-effectiveness of total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation for the treatment of minimal change chronic pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

The current standard of care for the management of minimal change chronic pancreatitis (MCCP) is medical management. Controversy exists, however, regarding the use of surgical intervention for MCCP. We hypothesized that total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation (TPIAT) decreases long-term resource utilization and improves quality of life, justifying initial costs and risks.

METHODS

Detailed perioperative outcomes from 46 patients with MCCP populated a Markov model comparing medical management to TPIAT. Mortality, complications, readmission rates, insulin and narcotic use, imaging, and endoscopy were included in the model. Outcomes reported were survival, measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs, in 2013 US dollars.

RESULTS

In medical patients, annual mean hospital admissions were 1.6 (range = 0-11), endoscopy 1.4 (0-6), and imaging (CT/MRI) 1.5 (0-4). In surgical patients, there were no perioperative deaths, with complication and 30-day readmission rates of 47 and 37%. One year after TPIAT, annual mean admissions, endoscopy, and imaging had decreased to 0.9 (0-4), 0.4 (0-2), and 0.9 (0-5); monthly narcotic use decreased from 138 to 37 morphine equivalents (p = 0.012). Cost and survival for TPIAT versus medical management were $153,575/14.9 QALYs and $196,042/11.5 QALYs, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with MCCP, TPIAT is associated with decreased cost and increased quality-adjusted survival. Providers and insurers should more enthusiastically embrace TPIAT use as a more effective cost-saving strategy.

Systematic review of early surgery for chronic pancreatitis: impact on pain, pancreatic function, and re-intervention

BACKGROUND

Surgical intervention has traditionally been reserved as the last management option for pain in chronic pancreatitis. Recently, there has been a call for surgery to be offered earlier in the disease process. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the effect of early surgery on postoperative pain, pancreatic function, and re-intervention rates in chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search through EMBASE, Cochrane Review, and PubMed from January 1950 to January 2014 was conducted. Citations found in relevant papers are hand-searched. Data which could be pooled were analyzed using Revman (v5.2). Risk of bias analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 2,886 potentially eligible studies identified, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was large heterogeneity in the study designs, and studies were conducted over a lengthy time span. Seven studies examined pain, three studies examined pancreatic function, and three studies examined rates of re-intervention. Meta-analysis of the three studies with comparative raw data regarding complete pain relief showed that early surgery was associated with an increased likelihood of complete postoperative pain relief (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.09-2.56, p = 0.02). Early surgery was also associated with reduced risk of pancreatic insufficiency and low re-intervention rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this study supports considering early surgery for pain management in patients with chronic pancreatitis, with the potential of a reduced risk of pancreatic insufficiency and the need for further intervention. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted comparing early surgery against conservative step-up approaches.

Treatment options for chronic pancreatitis

This Review covers the latest developments in the treatment options for chronic pancreatitis. Pain is the most frequent and dominant symptom in patients with chronic pancreatitis, which ranges from severe disabling continuous pain to mild pain attacks and pain-free periods. Conventional treatment strategies and recent changes in the treatment of pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis are outlined. The different treatment options for pain consist of medical therapy, endoscopy or surgery. Their related merits and drawbacks are discussed. Finally, novel insights in the field of genetics and microbiota are summarized, and future perspectives are discussed.

Chronic pancreatitis: A surgical disease? Role of the Frey procedure

Although medical treatment and endoscopic interventions are primarily offered to patients with chronic pancreatitis, approximately 40% to 75% will ultimately require surgery during the course of their disease. Although pancreaticoduodenectomy has been considered the standard surgical procedure because of its favorable results on pain control, its high postoperative complication and pancreatic exocrine or/and endocrine dysfunction rates have led to a growing enthusiasm for duodenal preserving pancreatic head resection. The aim of this review is to better understand the rationale underlying of the Frey procedure in chronic pancreatitis and to analyze its outcome. Because of its hybrid nature, combining both resection and drainage, the Frey procedure has been conceptualized based on the pathophysiology of chronic pancreatitis. The short and long-term outcome, especially pain relief and quality of life, are better after the Frey procedure than after any other surgical procedure performed for chronic pancreatitis.

Treatment options in painful chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Longlasting and unbearable pain is the most common and striking symptom of chronic pancreatitis. Accordingly, pain relief and improvement in patients' quality of life are the primary goals in the treatment of this disease. This systematic review aims to summarize the available data on treatment options.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Library was performed according to the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Reference lists were then hand-searched for additional relevant titles. The results obtained were examined individually by two independent investigators for further selection and data extraction.

RESULTS

A total of 416 abstracts were reviewed, of which 367 were excluded because they were obviously irrelevant or represented overlapping studies. Consequently, 49 full-text articles were systematically reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line medical options include the provision of pain medication, adjunctive agents and pancreatic enzymes, and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. If medical treatment fails, endoscopic treatment offers pain relief in the majority of patients in the short term. However, current data suggest that surgical treatment seems to be superior to endoscopic intervention because it is significantly more effective and, especially, lasts longer.