[Retroperitoneal fibrosis and pancreatitis (author's transl)].

A case of retroperitoneal fibrosis causing pancreatitis is reported; another case is reported as well, where chronic pancreatitis caused secondary symptomatic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Differential diagnosis of the 2 diseases is discussed. Surgical therapy has to eliminate complications and reduce retroperitoneal fibrous tissue structures; this has to be followed by continuous drug therapy aimed at slowing proliferation of fibrous tissue.