Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: Comparing fecal elastase 1 with 72-h stool for fecal fat estimation.

Introduction: Identification of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is important in the management of chronic pancreatitis. The 72-h stool for fecal fat estimation (FFE) has long been considered a gold standard indirect test for the diagnosis of PEI. However, the test is cumbersome for both patients and laboratory personnel alike.