Clinical Outcomes of Modified Lateral Pancreatojejunostomy in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study of 50 cases

Abstract

Background: Chronic calcific pancreatitis is a progressive pancreatic disorder characterized by ductal obstruction, intraductal calculi and chronic abdominal pain. Surgical decompression remains the standard treatment for patients with dilated pancreatic ducts and persistent symptoms. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes, including pain relief, pancreatic function and complications, following modified lateral pancreatojejunostomy in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis.

Materials and methods: This prospective observational study included 50 patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis and dilated main pancreatic duct (³6 mm) who underwent modified lateral pancreatojejunostomy. Patients were evaluated for pain relief, endocrine and exocrine function, and postoperative complications over a six-month follow-up period. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD or median and categorical variables as percentages.

Results: The mean age was 36 ± 8 years (Range 29–66) with 43 males (86%) and 7 females (14%). Preoperatively, abdominal pain was the predominant symptom, present in 100% of patients, followed by steatorrhea in 60% and jaundice in 4%. Postoperatively, there was a marked reduction in symptoms, with pain persisting in only 8.3% of patients. Jaundice resolved in all affected cases, as evidenced by normalization of liver function tests. A significant proportion (62%) had impaired glucose tolerance preoperatively. No improvement of glucose tolerance was noted in post-operative period, remain unchanged in 36 patients (75%) and get worsen in 12 patients (25%) at the time of follow-up. Overall, there was a notable improvement in digestive function following the procedure with significant increase in weight gain. Post-operative complications were minimal and 4% mortality was reported during the hospital stay.

Conclusion: Modified lateral pancreatojejunostomy is an effective and safe surgical procedure for chronic calcific pancreatitis with ductal dilatation, providing significant pain relief and improved pancreatic function.

 JBRMC, Volume 08   Issue 02  July 2026 ; 27-31