PROCEDURES
Frey Procedure
The Frey Procedure preserves the function of the pancreas. Surgery involves decompression of the pancreatic duct and coring out the pancreatic head by resection. Candidates for Frey’s procedure are those who require narcotics to control their pain and suffer from chronic pancreatitis. Stomach pain worsens over time and lasts longer than usual. Chronic pancreatitis may be caused by excess alcohol intake over a long time, and the process is worsened by smoking. Sometimes this condition may occur idiopathically (sporadically).
PROCEDURES
Frey Procedure
The Frey Procedure preserves the function of the pancreas. Surgery involves decompression of the pancreatic duct and coring out the pancreatic head by resection. Candidates for Frey’s procedure are those who require narcotics to control their pain and suffer from chronic pancreatitis. Stomach pain worsens over time and lasts longer than usual. Chronic pancreatitis may be caused by excess alcohol intake over a long time, and the process is worsened by smoking. Sometimes this condition may occur idiopathically (sporadically).
Frey’s procedure treats chronic pancreatitis that occurs when a pancreatic stone blocks the main pancreatic duct. The pancreas releases enzymes which aid in digestion and controls how the body processes glucose. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which over time becomes fibrosis(scarring). Digestive enzymes irritate pancreatic cells and cause inflammation. The condition can also lead to severe diabetes, kidney failure, infection, pseudocysts, and pancreatic cancer. If left untreated, pancreatitis can be fatal.
Before surgery, the patient undergoes diagnostic tests to confirm chronic pancreatitis. One of these diagnostic tests is an endoscopic ultrasound. Dr Pretorius specialises in this procedure and analyses the results from the bile ducts and pancreas' images.
PROCEDURE
Frey’s procedure happens under general anaesthesia. While sedated, the patient is unaware of what is happening during the procedure. For the procedure, Dr Pretorius cores out the diseased part of the pancreatic head to improve drainage from the ducts and opens the duct along with the pancreas. He rearranges the small intestine close to the pancreas and performs reattachment.
Frey procedure is a form of pancreaticojejunostomy to resolve chronic pancreatitis. Although the Frey procedure is similar to the Puestow procedure, there is a difference. Only affected parts that comprise the pancreatic head are removed. When the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon removes diseased portions of the head, he exposes the main pancreatic duct for better drainage.
RECOVERY
It takes eight weeks to recover from the Frey procedure fully. Dr Pretorius provides post-operative care instructions to facilitate a speedy recovery. Overall, the Frey procedure results are positive, and patients can expect pain relief in time.
Frey’s procedure treats chronic pancreatitis that occurs when a pancreatic stone blocks the main pancreatic duct. The pancreas releases enzymes which aid in digestion and controls how the body processes glucose. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which over time becomes fibrosis(scarring). Digestive enzymes irritate pancreatic cells and cause inflammation. The condition can also lead to severe diabetes, kidney failure, infection, pseudocysts, and pancreatic cancer. If left untreated, pancreatitis can be fatal.
Before surgery, the patient undergoes diagnostic tests to confirm chronic pancreatitis. One of these diagnostic tests is an endoscopic ultrasound. Dr Pretorius specialises in this procedure and analyses the results from the bile ducts and pancreas' images.
PROCEDURE
Frey’s procedure happens under general anaesthesia. While sedated, the patient is unaware of what is happening during the procedure. For the procedure, Dr Pretorius cores out the diseased part of the pancreatic head to improve drainage from the ducts and opens the duct along with the pancreas. He rearranges the small intestine close to the pancreas and performs reattachment.
Frey procedure is a form of pancreaticojejunostomy to resolve chronic pancreatitis. Although the Frey procedure is similar to the Puestow procedure, there is a difference. Only affected parts that comprise the pancreatic head are removed. When the hepato-pancreaticobiliary surgeon removes diseased portions of the head, he exposes the main pancreatic duct for better drainage.
RECOVERY
It takes eight weeks to recover from the Frey procedure fully. Dr Pretorius provides post-operative care instructions to facilitate a speedy recovery. Overall, the Frey procedure results are positive, and patients can expect pain relief in time.