Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency after pancreatic surgery

The pancreas is the central organ for digestion and for control of glucose homeostasis. Indications for major pancreatic surgery are complications of chronic and acute pancreatitis and pancreatic malignancies. The postoperative pancreatic function is determined by type of resection, resection of adjacent organs, the underlying disease and preoperative pancreatic function. Standard treatment following major pancreatic surgery includes the administration of pancreatic enzyme preparations and inhibition of acid secretion by proton pump inhibitors. Postoperatively most patients also develop diabetes mellitus, which requires insulin substitution. Hypoglycemia is the most difficult clinical problem to handle following total pancreatectomy.