Frey's procedure
Technique:
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 bowel is then mobilized and attached over the exposed pancreatic duct to allow better drainage of the pancreas, including its head. 1 Compared with a Puestow procedure, a Frey's procedure allows for better drainage of the pancreatic head.
Indications:
Frey's operation is indicated on patients with chronic pancreatitis who have "head dominant" disease.
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
References:
[1] Gourgiotis S, Germanos S, Ridolfini MP. Surgical management of chronic pancreatitis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int. 2007 May;6(2):121-33.
[2] Chaudhary A, Negi SS, Masood S, Thombare M. Complications after Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis. Am J Surg. 2004 Sep;188(3):277-81