Resectional Therapy for Chronic Pancreatitis

The main indication for operation in the management of chronic pancreatitis is medically intractable pain. Other indications include biliary or pancreatic ductal obstruction (with or without pseudocyst formation), mass effect impinging on other organs or adversely affecting their function, or diagnostic insecurity regarding the possibility of periampullary or pancreatic neoplasms. This article describes the current state of affairs for resectional therapy for chronic inflammatory conditions of the pancreas.