Doctors at Hoang Anh Gia Lai University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital have successfully performed the province's first Frey procedure to treat a patient with chronic pancreatitis caused by pancreatic duct stones, marking a milestone in the local adoption of advanced surgical techniques.
The hospital, located in Hoi Phu Ward, announced the achievement on July 8, saying the operation demonstrates its ability to independently carry out one of the most technically demanding procedures for chronic pancreatitis.
The patient, identified as L.N.H., born in 1977 and residing in Pleiku Ward, sought treatment at the hospital's Gastroenterology Clinic on July 4 after experiencing persistent and recurrent abdominal pain that had significantly disrupted daily life.
Following clinical examinations, laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, doctors diagnosed the patient with stones in the main pancreatic duct causing ductal dilation against a background of chronic pancreatitis.
According to the hospital, pancreatic duct stones can obstruct the flow of pancreatic juices, increasing pressure within the duct and causing prolonged pain while damaging pancreatic tissue.
The condition can impair both digestive and endocrine functions and, if left untreated, may result in pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes or repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis.
After a multidisciplinary consultation, doctors decided on July 5 to perform the Frey procedure, an advanced surgical technique designed to decompress the pancreatic duct, remove ductal stones, treat damage to the pancreatic head, provide long-term pain relief and preserve as much pancreatic function as possible.
During the operation, surgeons encountered a large stone firmly lodged at a narrowed section of the pancreatic duct, making removal particularly challenging. To minimize damage to surrounding pancreatic tissue, the surgical team used intraoperative lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller fragments before carefully extracting each piece.
Doctors subsequently examined the entire pancreatic duct system to confirm that all stone fragments had been removed, reducing the risk of residual stones and future recurrence.
The surgery was completed successfully. The patient is recovering well, remains alert, has stable vital signs and has experienced significant relief from abdominal pain while continuing to receive postoperative monitoring and care.
Hospital officials said the successful implementation of the Frey procedure expands treatment options for patients with chronic pancreatitis caused by pancreatic duct stones in Gia Lai, while reducing the need for transfers to higher-level medical centers and enabling residents of the province and surrounding areas to access advanced surgical care closer to home.