Frey's procedure

Pancreas.

Frey's procedure is a surgical technique used in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis in which the diseased portions of the pancreas head are cored out. A lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LRLPJ) is then performed in which a loop of the jejunum is then mobilized and attached over the exposed pancreatic duct to allow better drainage of the pancreas, including its head.^[1]

Indication

Frey's operation is indicated on patients with chronic pancreatitis who have "head dominant" disease.

Comparison to Puestow procedure

Compared with a Puestow procedure, a Frey's procedure allows for better drainage of the pancreatic head.

Complications

Postoperative complications after LRLPJ are usually septic in nature and are likely to occur more often in patients in whom endoscopic pancreatic stenting has been performed before surgical intervention.^[2] Pancreatic endocrine insufficiency occurs in 60% of patients.

Eponym

It is named for the American surgeon C. F. Frey, who together with G. J. Smith first described it in 1987.^[3]

References

1. ^ Gourgiotis S, Germanos S, Ridolfini MP (2007). "Surgical management of chronic pancreatitis". Hbpd Int 6 (2): 121–33.  
2. ^ Chaudhary A, Negi SS, Masood S, Thombare M (2004). "Complications after Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis". Am. J. Surg. 188 (3): 277–281.  
3. ^ Frey, CF; Smith GJ (1987). "Description and rationale of a new operation for chronic pancreatitis.". Pancreas 2 (6): 701–7.  

Additional reading

• Bapat RD, Satish R R, Kantharia CV. Choice Of Surgical Procedures for Chronic Pancreatitis. Bombay Hospital Journal. January 2001. Available at: http://www.bhj.org/journal/2001_4301_jan/reviews_175.htm. Accessed on: October 15, 2007.

External links

• Frey's procedure (drawing) - Bombay Hospital Journal.