Total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.

Ten instances of total pancreatectomy performed for chronic alcohol induced pancreatitis are reported. There was no hospital mortality, and all of the patients were free of pain. The most difficult problem was labile insulin sensitive diabetes in these patients who were chronic alcoholics. In addition, steatorrhea with weight loss, bleeding marginal ulcers and general weakness diminished working ability. The present data suggest that this procedure should be considered as the last resort in the treatment of severe instances of chronic pancreatitis.