Coeliac plexus block versus pancreaticogastrostomy for pain in chronic pancreatitis. A controlled randomized trial.

Seventeen patients with chronic pancreatitis and dilated pancreatic ducts were randomly allocated to coeliac plexus block or pancreaticogastrostomy. The number of patients with pain relief after coeliac plexus block and pancreaticogastrostomy did not differ at discharge. Pain score and use of analgesics before coeliac plexus block and 6 months later were unaffected but were significantly less after pancreaticogastrostomy. Operation decreased pancreatic tissue pressure significantly. This pressure decrease is believed to explain pain relief.