Prospective evaluation of morphology, function, and quality of life after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic treatment of chronic calcific pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic endoscopy may be effective in selected patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP). We prospectively evaluated the early outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) in combination with interventional endoscopy, using broad inclusion criteria. METHODS: A total of 48 consecutive patients (35 male, 13 female) were recru ited for ESWL and endoscopic therapy of symptomatic CCP. Symptoms, quality of life, pancreatic morphology and function were assessed before and after ESWL. RESULTS: Multiple stones (n = 43), strictures (n = 34), and pancreas divisu m (n = 11) were found. A median of 13 ESWL sessions (range 2-74) with a med ian of 22,100 shockwaves (1,700-150,900) were required. Endoscopic pancreat ic sphincterotomy (n = 48), stricture dilation (n = 12), and/or stenting (n = 27) were performed. After therapy, drainage of the pancreatic duct syste m was achieved in 36, complete stone clearance in 21 patients. Follow-up (n = 38) at 7 months (range 5-9) showed a significant decrease in pancreatic duct diameter (p < 0.001) and pain score (p < 0.0001) whereas complete pain relief was observed in 45% of cases. Several quality of life scores improv ed significantly. Weight gain occurred in 68% of patients. Normalization of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were observed in four patients, wit hout modifying their treatment. Improvement in pain score correlated with w eight gain and decrease in pancreatic duct diameter. Nonalcoholic etiology was associated with a better chance for improvement in pain score and decre ase in pancreatic duct diameter. The presence of strictures did not deterio rate the clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Besides pain relief, ESWL in combination with interventional e ndoscopy resulted in pancreatic ductal decompression, weight gain, and impr ovement in quality of life in a considerable number of patients with advanc ed CCP. (C) 2000 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.