Background and aims: In a prospective, randomised, control trial organ-preserving pancreatic head resection (OPPHR) was compared with pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each type of operation.
Patients and methods: Forty patients were allocated randomly to either the OPPHR (n=20) or the PPPD (n=20) group. The surgical data, postoperative complications, induction of diabetes mellitus, postoperative pain and quality of life 1 year, postoperatively, were considered.
Results: The two study groups of 20 patients were well balanced with regard to sex, age, chronic pancreatitis history and indication for surgery. The duration of the operation for OPPHR and PPPD was 142.5+/-4.9 and 278+/-6.9 min, respectively (P<0.05). The postoperative mortality in each group was zero. After OPPHR and PPPD, the morbidity was 0 and 40%, respectively (P<0.05). The duration of hospital stay was also significantly different: 8.05+/-0.9 vs 13.8+/-3.9 days (P<0.05). After 1 year the pain relief was effective in both groups, but three patients acquired diabetes mellitus after PPPD; the body weight had increased by 7.8+/-0.9 and 3.2+/-0.3 kg after OPPHR and PPPD, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The two procedures are equally safe and effective with regard to pain relief, but OPPHR is superior to PPPD not only in the operation data and morbidity, but also in the quality of life 1 year postoperatively. OPPHR should be regarded as a recommended procedure in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.