Endoscopic manometry of the sphincter of Oddi and pancreatic duct in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Summary Conclusion Endoscopic manometry in patients with chronic pancreatitis has demonstrated some manometric abnormalities in the sphincter of Oddi, but these abnormalities have no significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis. Background The study was undertaken to determine whether the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis. Methods Manometric investigation was performed in 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis. Twenty-three of them had alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis, seven had biliary pancreatitis, and two patients had annular pancreas with chronic pancreatitis. Fifteen of them had dilated main pancreatic duct. Twenty-one cholecystectomized patients with no abnormality of the pancreas and biliary system served as controls. Results This study showed no significant difference in the mean pressures in the pancreatic duct, sphincter of Oddi (basal and phasic), and frequency of the sphincter of Oddi phasic contractions when comparing patients and controls. Sphincter of Oddi basal pressure (26–44 mmHg) was markedly increased in seven patients, whereas three patients (two of them had increased sphincter of Oddi basal pressure) had increased pancreatic duct pressure (20–24 mmHg). Increased numbers of retrograde contractions were found in seven patients.