Long-term outcomes of surgery for chronic pancreatitis: A single-center experience

There are limited data on the long-term outcomes after surgery for chronic pancreatitis. The aim of the current study was to assess the long-term pain relief and survival outcomes following surgical intervention for chronic pancreatitis.

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study that included 36 patients who underwent surgery for chronic pancreatitis. The study analyzed 30-day morbidity and mortality rates, long-term pain relief, and endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Additionally, 10-year overall survival rates were assessed.

The 30-day morbidity rate was 12/36 (33.4%), with no reported mortality. The median preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale scores were 9 (8-9) and 1 (1-2), respectively (p<0.001). Among 34 patients with severe pain, 33 (97%) reported substantial improvement. Long-term mortality was 6/36 (16.7%), and the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival rates were 97%, 90%, and 85%, respectively. Factors associated with inferior survival included preoperative diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hospital admissions after surgery (p=0.002), failure to gain weight after surgery (p=0.001), post-operative body mass index <18.5 kg/m² (p=0.029), and poor pain control after surgery (p=0.004). Conversely, preoperative endoscopic stent placement (p=0.031) was linked to improved 10-year overall survival.

Surgery offers long-term pain relief for chronic pancreatitis, and outcomes can be optimized through early identification and management of high-risk factors.