PANCREATIC EXOCRINE INSUFFICIENCY AFTER PANCREATIC SURGERY DETECTED BY TUBELESS TESTING

The pancreatic function diagnostant (PFD test) and fecal chymotrypsin test were performed simultaneously in patients after pancreatic surger y, and findings for both tests were analyzed. The p-aminobenzoic acid recovery rate in the PFD test and the chymotrypsin activity in stools decreased after pancreatectomy, particularly after extended radical pa ncreaticoduodenectomy. Chymotrypsin activity in stools, measured by th e fecal chymotrypsin test after extended radical pancreaticoduodenecto my, was significantly lower than the normal level. The D-Xylose output in the extended radical group was significantly (p<0.05) lower than t hat following conventional pancreaticoduodenectomy. The results allow the conclusion that the absorption factor must be taken into account w hen evaluating the pancreatic exocrine function by the PFD test.