Assessment of quality of life of patients operated for chronic pancreatitis

Aim. Comparative analysis of the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Methods. The study included patients with complicated clinical forms of chronic pancreatitis including: ductal pancreatic hypertension, main pancreatic duct concrements, marked fibrous restructuring of the pancreatic parenchyma and presence of calcifications, presence of biliary hypertension, portal hypertension syndrome, duodenostasis syndrome, chronic abdominal pain syndrome, retention and post-necrotic cysts. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 included patients with chronic pancreatitis receiving conservative treatment (n=32), group 2 - patients who underwent the Frey pancreatic resection (n=24) and group 3 - Beger pancreatic resection (n=9). The assessment was performed according to the most spread specific questionnaire in gastroenterology GSRS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale).

Results. The quality of life of patients who underwent both Frey and Beger pancreatic resection was significantly higher than the quality of life of patients in whom chronic pancreatitis was treated conservatively. Quality of life of patients who underwent Frey or Beger pancreatic resection did not differ significantly. Malabsorption syndrome has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients who underwent surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The GSRS questionnaire demonstrated low sensitivity in detecting malabsorption syndrome.

Conclusion. Quality of life of patients who underwent surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis is statistically significantly higher than in patients receiving conservative treatment; correction of existing quality of life questionnaires is required in order to identify malabsorption syndrome.