Portal hypertension as a complication of chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intractable abdominal pain, duodenal stenosis and common b ile duct stenosis are considered the main reasons for surgery in cases of c hronic pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to discover the influence of the disease on the portal pressure. METHODOLOGY: Blood pressure was measured in the superior mesentric vein bef ore and after resection of the head of the pancreas in 17 patients by direc t method. RESULTS: Venous pressure was lower after resection of the head of the pancr eas in all 17 measured patients. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pancreatitis increases not only left-sided portal pres sure but also right-sided portal pressure.