PMID: 9194281Jun 1, 1997Paper

Thoracoscopic thoracic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis with intractable abdominal pain

Surgical Laparoscopy & Endoscopy
T KusanoY Muto

Abstract

The therapeutic advantages of a thoracoscopic thoracic splanchnicectomy (TTS) to relieve the pain of chronic pancreatitis patients was evaluated. The TTS procedure (four bilateral and five unilateral TTS), was performed on nine patients from April 1993 to October 1995. Based on radiographic images, the pancreatic duct of seven cases were diagnosed as being "nondilated" (<3 mm), whereas two cases were "dilated" (> or = 3 mm). A 5-mm thoracoscope was introduced through the fifth intercostal space on the anterior axillary line, and an additional two cannulas were introduced under direct thoracoscopic vision. The sympathetic chain, at a level from Th 5 to 9, was then resected and electrocoagulated. We performed a unilateral TTS corresponding to the symptomatic side; however, if pain relief was insufficient, an additional sympathectomy was done on the other side. The early postoperative course was uneventful, and immediate pain-relief was normally possible after TTS except for three patients who demonstrated minor intercostal neuralgia at the site of the trocars inserted for TTS. Six of nine patients were able to return to their preoperative work of lifestyle at a maximum follow-up of 24 months (the median and mean durations were 15...Continue Reading

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