Tehran University Medical Journal

Background: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive fibrosis of the pancreas that leads to loss of endocrine and exocrine function of pancreas. The most common symptom is intractable pain. Which adversely effects quality of life, remains the most common indication for surgery in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Case report: Three patients underwent operations for chronic pancreatitis at the Ghaem hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad, Iran. Indication for operation in all cases were intractable abdominal pain. In all of the three patients complete relief of symptoms was obtained. There was no morbidity and mortality. In one patient exocrine function of pancreas and malabsorpation resolved after surgery.

Conclusions: Although chronic pancreatitis is uncommon, but in persistent abdominal pain surgery should be considered. Surgery for patients with chronic pancreatitis can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and effective in control of pain and malabsorption.