Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy: effects on pancreatic pain and function

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Severe pancreatic pain significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Traditional pain management methods for pancreatic disease have limitations.
• Advancements in thoracoscopic techniques have enabled splanchnicectomy for pain relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess the efficacy of bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy.
• To evaluate the impact of the procedure on pancreatic pain.
• To determine the effect on pancreatic function.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy performed on 44 patients (23 pancreatic cancer, 21 chronic pancreatitis).
• Pain assessed using a visual analogue scale.
• Pancreatic function evaluated via secretin test, glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels.

Main Results:

• Significant pain reduction (average 50% decrease) observed post-procedure and sustained.
• Reduced analgesic consumption reported by all patients.
• No adverse effects on endocrine or exocrine pancreatic function were detected.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is a safe and effective treatment for pancreatic pain.
• The procedure provides significant and lasting pain relief.
• Pancreatic function is preserved following thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy.