Interventional endoscopic therapy in chronic pancreatitis including temporary stenting: a definitive treatment?

In the past 15 years there have been tremendous advances in endoscopic management of chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, the value of endoscopic pancreatic stenting is still debatable.

In 98 patients suffering from symptomatic CP (84 M, 14 F, 49+/-12, age range 23-83 years) endotherapy including temporary stenting of the pancreatic duct was performed. After final stent removal, indicating the primary end-point of endotherapy, 96 patients were followed for 35+/-28 (8 days-111) months. All data were assessed retrospectively.

As well as other endoscopic procedures, a total of 358 prostheses were inserted in the pancreatic duct and left in place for 3+/-1 (1 day-11) months. Total stent treatment time was 10+/-10 (6 days-49) months. At 46+/-27 (4-111) months after limited endotherapy, 57 patients had no need for secondary intervention, two-thirds were even without further pain sensations. In 22 patients, surgical treatment and in 17 patients further endoscopic therapy became necessary, which was significantly correlated with continued alcohol consumption.

Temporary stent placement as a part of interventional endoscopic therapy in CP shows a high rate of technical and long-term clinical success, with no need for secondary treatment in a remarkable number of patients. Continued cessation of alcohol consumption supports the treatment benefit significantly.