Evaluation of Pain Preoperatively and Postoperatively in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis Undergoing Longitudinal Pancreaticojejunostomy

Chronic pancreatitis is a fairly common condition with pain being the major symptom, and longitudinal pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) is performed for symptomatic relief. The aim of the study is to assess relief of pain post-LPJ for chronic pancreatitis and to evaluate the factors influencing relief of symptoms. A prospective observational non-interventional study enrolling 28 patients. This study involved a questionnaire studying various risk factors and pain related to chronic pancreatitis, pancreaticojejunostomy, and postoperative assessment of pain relief at 1 and 6 months from surgery. Pain was assessed using Visual analogue scale (VAS). In chronic pancreatitis, there is a significant relief in symptoms of pain post-LPJ; the degree of relief was less in the alcoholics vs non-alcoholics ( p = 0.09) and smokers. There was also reduction in analgesic requirement and frequency of acute attacks of pain. Fifty-seven percent of patients had a complete remission of their pain after LPJ for CP. In chronic pancreatitis, there is a significant relief in symptoms of pain post-LPJ, although the degree of relief is less in the alcoholics and smokers.