Fifty-one consecutive pancreaticojejunostomies for pain in chronic pancreatitis performed during the years 1964 to 1983 have been reviewed. Mean observation time was 8.2 years. Information on alcohol consumption, pain intensity and clinical signs of pancreatic dysfunction was recorded at regular intervals. Operative mortality was nil. Analysis showed no difference between alcohol abusers and other patients with regard to calcification, ductal dilation or exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Good to excellent pain relief was achieved in 65 per cent of abusers and 88 per cent of nonabusers and was stable for at least five years. Patients who are heavy and unremitting abusers did not get much pain relief as a result of the operation. Patency of the anastomosis does not seem to be crucial for pain relief after pancreaticojejunostomy.