Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life After Frey Procedure and Longitudinal Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of surgery for chronic pancreatitis (Frey procedure and longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy), focusing on pain relief, endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and postoperative quality of life.

METHODS

This was a single-centre prospective longitudinal study using a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent surgery for chronic pancreatitis between January 2016 and December 2022, with follow-up continued through December 2024. The primary outcome was pain relief, assessed using the Izbicki pain score at 12 months, with descriptive reporting at 24 months. Secondary outcomes included postoperative quality of life (SF-36), endocrine and exocrine function, nutritional status, and occupational rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients (38 Frey's, 19 LPJ; median age 30yr) were included, with a median follow-up of 41 months (range: 25-108). Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis was the most common etiology (63%). At 12 months, 75% achieved complete pain relief (Izbicki ≤10), and improvements were sustained at 24 months. SF-36 scores showed significant improvements across all domains, particularly pain and general health. New-onset exocrine insufficiency developed in 20% and endocrine insufficiency in 7%. Nearly 95% of patients returned to normal work and daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Frey procedure and LPJ provided durable pain relief and improved quality of life. Surgical selection should be guided by pancreatic morphology to optimize long-term pain outcomes.