[Pancreatic duct occlusion. Experimental studies and clinical application].

After Whipple's procedure or pancreatic transplantation complications may be caused by the persistance of the exocrine function. Since 1978 pancreatic duct occlusion with prolamin ("Ethibloc") has been performed occasionally to eliminate the exocrine function. The endocrinological and morphological consequences of pancreatic duct occlusion were studied in 81 piglets. After occlusion there is a sharp rise of the serum-amylase levels, normalizing within 2 to 4 weeks. Up to a follow up of one year the animals remained normoglycemic, proved by measurements of fasting blood glucose, intravenous glucose tolerance and insulin levels. Based on our experimental studies Whipple's procedures combined with pancreatic duct occlusion were performed in seven patients. All patients survived, no pancreatic fistulas could be observed. 12 months postoperatively glucose tolerance tests proved to be normoglycemic in three patients.