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

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.

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.

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).

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.