Long-term Outcomes after Frey's Procedure for Chronic Pancreatitis with an Inflammatory Mass of the Pancreatic Head, with Special Reference to Locoregional Complications

Background: Freys procedure might be a good alternative to pylorus‑preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD for patients with an inflammatory mass of the head of the pancreas because it is technically easy and associated with low morbidity and good pain relief. Purpose: To analyze the short‑term and long‑term outcomes of Freys procedure in comparison with PPPD and to evaluate the efficacy of Freys procedure against preoperative locoregional complications. Patients and Methods: From August 1997 through December 2007 6 patients underwent Freys procedure (as described by Frey and Smith and 10 patients underwent PPPD. The mean follow‑up times were 70.8 months (Freys procedure and 119.8 months (PPPD. Preoperative biliary stricture and duodenal stenosis were observed in 4 and 3 patients respectively of patients undergoing Freys procedure. Pain intensity was assessed with a pain scoring system. Quality of life (QOL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of‑Life Questionnaire‑Core 30. Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function was measured during follow‑up. Results: Significant reductions in total pain scores and all QOL scale scores were observed immediately after surgery in all patients (P