Alterations in digestive function caused by pancreatic disease

Pancreatic exocrine secretion is regulated by a complex interaction of meal-stimulated neurohormonal reflexes. Pancreatic enzyme output must be reduced to less than 10 per cent of normal before fat absorption is appreciably impaired, proving that the pancreas secretes a large surplus of enzymes. Surgical therapy does not improve pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and partial pancreatic resection frequently precipitates steatorrhea in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, pancreatic resection should be undertaken cautiously in patients who do not yet have clinically evident exocrine insufficiency. In most patients, oral pancreatic enzymes will control diarrhea secondary to steatorrhea. In others, concurrent administration of an H2 blocker is required to reduce gastric acidity and prevent enzyme inactivation in the stomach. Formulations with an acid-resistant coating are also effective in some patients. However, complete normalization of fat absorption with restoration of body weight and nutritional well-being requires careful management of multiple dietary and behavioral factors, as well as long-term follow-up. Unfortunately, this appears to be an elusive goal, as many patients with chronic pancreatitis continue to die of malnutrition.