SERIAL CHANGES IN PLASMA-LEVELS OF PANCREATIC ELASTASE-1 AFTER PANCREATIC SURGERIES

The alterations of the plasma level of elastase 1 (Ela) were investiga ted in 15 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy (TP), 18 patients u ndergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), 8 patients undergoing distal pan createctomy (DP) and 10 patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric ca ncer (GR). The Ela level decreased rapidly below the normal level afte r TP. The plasma half-life of Ela was 4.6 +/- 1.2 h (Mean +/- SEM). Th e Ela levels after PD were abnormally elevated until the 7th postopera tive day. The Ela levels after DP and GR were elevated gradually until the 7th postoperative day. from 1 to 6 months after PD, DP and GR, th e Ela levels were normal. An additional release of Ela from the remain ing pancreas following direct surgical interventions to the pancreas r esulted in the elevated of the plasma level of Ela in the early postop erative period. The plasma level of Ela was normalized within 2 weeks after pancreatic surgery.