[The Frey Procedure in the Surgical Treatment of Chronic Pancreatitis].

Introduction: There are currently controversies about the best strategy for pain relief in chronic pancreatitis refractory to analgesics. Aim: The objective of this work was to evaluate the results of Frey's procedure in the surgical treatment of pain. Material and methods: Between June 1995 and June 2019, patients who underwent Frey's procedure were included. The morphological characteristics of the pancreas were evaluated by tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, the endocrine and exocrine function before surgery, as well as the immediate and distant results (operative morbidity and mortality; and pain relief and pancreatic insufficiency) results. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database was made. Results: 59 Frey procedures were performed (8 women and 51 men). The average age was 38.7 years (32-57). All patients had a head mass and a Wirsung duct greater than 6mm on imaging. They were all operated within three years of starting medical treatment for pain. 5 received opioids (for less than six months) and none were treated endoscopically. 5 patients presented complications (8.4%) and there was no mortality. The success rate of the procedure was 90.5%. Five patients developed diabetes and 8 steatorrhea. Conclusions: Frey's procedure is a safe and effective surgical technique for pain management in chronic pancreatitis. The success of the treatment may be influenced by a shorter previous medical treatment and the absence of endoscopic procedures. These findings need to be confirmed by further studies.