| [ Summary ] |
Stenosis of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is frequently associated with chronic pancreatitis. The increase of MPD pressure or stasis of pancreatic juice is caused by stenosis associated with MPD. This is also a cause of pain as well as decreased pancreatic functioning. Endoscopic pancreatic stenting is mainly aimed at pain relief in this situation. Good indications for endoscopic stenting in chronic pancreatitis are as follows : 1) short stenosis associated with MPD, 2)stenosis located in the pancreatic head, 3)painful symptoms, and 4)to preserve pancreatic functioning. Recurrence of pancreatitis, pseudocysts associated with MPD, or prevention of pancreatic stone formation after successful stone extraction is thought to be the second line indication for endoscopic stenting. We have performed endoscopic stenting in 25 patients with severe stenosis associated with MPD, for a total of 49 procedures. Nearly 100% pain relief has been achieved with endoscopic stenting. In addition, permanent stenting appeared to be effective in the prevention of recurrence of pain. In the future, we hope to assess the efficacy of endoscopic stenting for preservation of pancreatic functioning. |