[Digestive function of the residual pancreas after partial duodenopancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis (author's transl)].

Forty-eight patients with chronic recurrent pancreatitis treated by resection of the head of the pancreas were restudied more than a year post-operatively. In addition to general features such as symptoms, alcohol consumption and work ability, faecal weight, its fat content, fat and fatty acid balance and faecal chymotrypsin were measured. According to the patients' own estimate, late results were good or very good in 70-90%. Faecal fat content and balance indicated high-grade exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in 80 and 90%, respectively. But it was easily controlled by drugs. In a third of the cases there was the need to supplement the diet with medium-chain triglycerides. Its components are satisfactorily absorbed even when the fat utilisation is severely abnormal.