Long-term outcome of endoscopic stent placement for chronic pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum

Background and Study Aims: In pancreas divisum (PD), endoscopic drainage of the minor papilla is beneficial for patients presenting with acute recurre nt pancreatitis, but in cases of chronic pancreatitis, surgery is claimed t o be indicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endos copic stent placement in patients with PD presenting with chronic pancreati tis. Patients and Methods: The outcome of endoscopic treatment was evaluated in 16 patients with PD presenting with chronic pancreatitis, who underwent ste nting as a first line of treatment, Chart reviews and patient interviews by mail and telephone were conducted, Median follow-up time was 51 months (ra nge 6-120), Results: After one episode of stenting and subsequent stent extraction, fiv e of 16 patients remained pain-free (i.e., for a median time of 45 months, range 12-64), Six patients had temporary pain relief (14 months), and five patients experienced no effect of stent therapy. A total of five patients u nderwent surgery after failure of stenting. Conclusions: Patients with chronic pancreatitis and a PD should undergo tri al stenting, since every third patient remains symptom-free after one episo de of stenting.