Complex Pancreatic Surgery Successfully Performed by Dr. Raman Garg, Surgical Gastroenterologist, at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda
A 45-year-old female presented with a long-standing history of chronic calcific pancreatitis, suffering from recurrent episodes of severe upper abdominal pain for several years. The pain was often so intense that it required repeated hospital admissions and treatment with strong pain medications. Despite prolonged medical management, her symptoms continued to worsen, significantly affecting her quality of life.
A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed multiple large stones within the main pancreatic duct (MPD) along with marked dilatation of the pancreatic duct, confirming advanced chronic calcific pancreatitis with ductal obstruction.
Why Was Surgery Required?
In chronic calcific pancreatitis, repeated inflammation causes irreversible scarring of the pancreas. Over time, large stones form inside the pancreatic duct, blocking the normal flow of pancreatic juice. This increases pressure within the pancreatic duct, resulting in severe, persistent abdominal pain.
When pain becomes recurrent and no longer responds adequately to medical treatment, surgery offers the best chance for long-term pain relief while preserving pancreatic function.
Surgical Procedure
The patient underwent Frey's Procedure, performed by Dr. Raman Garg, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda.
The operation included:
- Coring of the diseased pancreatic head.
- Opening the entire length of the dilated main pancreatic duct.
- Removal of multiple large pancreatic duct stones.
- Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ), connecting the pancreatic duct to the small intestine to ensure free drainage of pancreatic secretions and reduce ductal pressure.
This pancreas-preserving procedure is considered one of the most effective surgical treatments for chronic calcific pancreatitis with a dilated pancreatic duct.
Postoperative Recovery
The patient's postoperative recovery was smooth and uneventful.
- Significant improvement in abdominal pain.
- Gradual resumption of oral diet.
- No major postoperative complications.
- Discharged in satisfactory condition on the 7th postoperative day.
Why This Case Is Special
Frey's Procedure is a highly specialized pancreatic operation performed in selected patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis. By combining decompression of the pancreatic head with drainage of the pancreatic duct, it provides durable pain relief while preserving as much healthy pancreatic tissue as possible.
At Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda, Dr. Raman Garg routinely manages complex diseases of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, stomach, intestine, colon, rectum, hernia, and gastrointestinal cancers. Patients from Bathinda, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and neighbouring states seek his expertise for advanced gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery.
If you are searching for a Surgical Gastroenterologist in Bathinda, Pancreas Surgeon in Bathinda, Best Gastro Surgeon in Bathinda, Gallbladder Stone Surgeon, Hernia Surgeon, or an expert in complex gastrointestinal surgery, Dr. Raman Garg offers comprehensive evidence-based surgical care using advanced techniques tailored to each patient's condition.
Procedure Performed: Frey's Procedure (Head Coring with Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy)
Diagnosis: Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis with Multiple Main Pancreatic Duct Stones
Operating Surgeon: Dr. Raman Garg, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda
Outcome: Successful surgery with excellent postoperative recovery and discharge on the 7th postoperative day.
About Dr. Raman Garg
Dr. Raman Garg is a Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist, Advanced GI, Laparoscopic and HPB Surgeon at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda. He specializes in gastrointestinal cancer surgery, liver, pancreas and bile duct surgery, colorectal surgery, hernia surgery, upper GI surgery, emergency abdominal surgery, and advanced minimally invasive procedures.
