Treating chronic pancreatitis surgically

Pancreatic surgery is a major procedure that has a relatively high risk of complications. Leading general surgeon, Mr Timothy Rees Worthington, based in Guildford, discusses the procedure and explains how modern advancements have improved the outcome, making it a more suitable treatment for chronic pancreatitis.  

What is chronic pancreatitis and what causes it? 

Pancreatitis is a long-term condition that affects the pancreas and can lead to problems with digestion and diabetes. There are many causes ranging from alcohol to smoking and genetic causes. Patients who have had previous acute pancreatitis can go on to develop chronic pancreatitis. 

When is surgery required? 

Surgery can be effective for patients with chronic pancreatitis and can particularly be useful for patients suffering from chronic pain or blockage of the intestine or bile duct. 

How is surgery for chronic pancreatitis performed? 

Surgery for chronic pancreatitis is a major procedure, but increasingly it is carried out with minimally-invasive surgery. 

Is it a risky procedure? 

With modern surgical techniques and improved anaesthesia, surgery for chronic pancreatitis is far less risky than previously, but it needs to be undertaken in a specialist centre by a specialist group of surgeons and anaesthetists. 

What is the recovery process like after surgery for chronic pancreatitis? 

Enhanced recovery techniques which have been pioneered at the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford mean that recovery from surgery from chronic pancreatitis is much improved with patients usually being discharged after a few days. 

If you are interested in booking a consultation with Mr Timothy Rees Worthington, you can do so directly by visiting his Top Doctors profile.