There are 2 really good panc message boards at yahoo. alot of really good info, I'am sure you will find those who have had this procedure. Just sign up at yahoo groups and then put in pancreatitis...........Hope to see ya there....georgie439
There is no cure for chronic pancreatitis other than organ transplant. As you know, there is constant pain with this disease that can lead to addiction to pain meds as well as building a tolerance to meds, which has it's own set of problems. The Puestow Proceedure is designed as a measure to reduce/eliminate pain thereby reducing or eliminating the use of pain relievers. Pain is generally caused by the reduced power of the organ to drain due to blockages. Surgical placement of a stent to bypass the blockage can achieve better function of the organ while reducing pain. The proceedure hasn't been around long enough to have many long-term studies, but the studies out there show that the proceedure is great for reducing/eliminating pain. It is done via a scope so that recovery time is only a few days, while at the same time pain relief is almost immediate. The proceedure can be reversed if necessary or desireable. Hope this helps