Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Laparoscopic Duodenum-Preserving Pancreatic Head Resection via Inferior Infracolic Approach: A Surgical Approach for Benign Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Is endocrine and exocrine function improved following duodenal preserving pancreatic head resection over whipple for
Kevin M Turner1, Aaron M Delman1, Michael E Johnston Ii1
1Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Background:
The aim of our study was to evaluate the rates of treatment for post-operative exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and diabetes mellites (DM) between Duodenal Preserving Pancreatic Head Resections (DPPHR) and Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) from a prospectively maintained database of patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Methods:
104 patients were identified for inclusion, 62 of whom underwent DPPHR and 42 underwent PD. Study endpoints included changes in treatment for EPI and DM.
Results:
In the DPPHR group, the vast majority (n = 55) received a Frey procedure, with a small minority of patients undergoing a Beger procedure (n = 4) or Berne modification (n = 3). Patients in the DPPHR group had a lower rate of new persistent treatment for EPI post-operatively compared to patients who underwent PD (28.0% vs. 76.5%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in the rate of new onset DM, with low rates of new insulin dependent diabetics in both groups. Both groups had equal efficacy in terms of pain control, with 67.7% of the DPPHR group and 61.9% of the PD group remaining opioid free at long-term follow-up (p = 0.539).
Conclusion:
In patients with head-predominant chronic pancreatitis, DPPHR was associated with reduced rates of new EPI treatment and similar endocrine function compared with PD.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
Pancreas
The broad head of the pancreas lies within the loop formed by the duodenum, while its slender body reaches towards the spleen. The tail of the pancreas is short...
Cells and Secretions of the Pancreas
Exocrine function is carried out by acinar cells, organized into clusters known as acini. These cells contribute to digestion by releasing substantial quantities of enzyme-rich, alkaline digestive juices.
Concurrently, the dispersed clusters of endocrine cells throughout the...

