Journal article
Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis pain
Surgery, Vol.120(4), pp.603-610
1996
DOI: 10.1016/S0039-6060(96)80006-7
PMID: 8862367
Abstract
Background. The study was undertaken to quantitate the effects of thoracoscopic splanchnic nerve resection (SPL) on pain from chronic pancreatitis.
Methods. Patients with chronic pancreatitis pain completed an analog pain scale before operation and at postoperative visits. Midepigastric and left-sided pain was treated with left SPL; right-sided pain was treated with right-sided SPL. If pain recurred on the contralateral side, the patient underwent contralateral SPL.
Results. Fifteen patients underwent SPL. Eleven patients required daily narcotics for relief of pain before operation. Eight patients had unilateral SPL, whereas seven ultimately had a bilateral operation (median follow-up, 18 months). Fourteen patients had constant pain before operation, which decreased to a mean of 2.8 attacks per month (p<0.0001). Before operation, the “worst pain within last two months” was 9.1 on pain scale (range, 0 for no pain to 11 for constant pain). After operation this decreased to 5.1 (p<0.002). “Current severity” of pain decreased from 6.5 before operation to 2.0 after operation (p<0.0005). The “amount pain is interfering with daily activities” decreased from 7.3 before operation to 2.3 after operation (p<0.0001). Seven patients (46%) no longer require narcotics and are classified as having had good results. Five patients (33%) are classified as improved and have had a major reduction in narcotic needs. Three have had no significant pain relief and are classified as having had poor results.
Conclusions. Thoracoscopic SPL offers substantial promise in the therapy of pain from chronic pancreatitis.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis pain
- Creators
- James W Maher - University of Iowa, SurgeryFrederick C Johlin - University of Iowa, Internal MedicineDeb Pearson - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Surgery, Vol.120(4), pp.603-610
- Publisher
- Mosby, Inc
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0039-6060(96)80006-7
- PMID
- 8862367
- ISSN
- 0039-6060
- eISSN
- 1532-7361
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 1996
- Academic Unit
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Surgery; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984203346502771
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