Gurugram, Mar 10: Minimally invasive treatment, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, offers several advantages such as smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. The GI surgical team at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, has been using these advanced techniques in the management of chronic pancreatitis, treating patients with complex pancreatic duct stones and ductal obstruction.
Chronic pancreatitis often affects young patients in the prime of their lives, who may suffer from debilitating abdominal pain, diabetes, and significant weight loss, severely affecting their quality of life.
One such case involved a 27-year-old man who had been suffering from repeated episodes of severe abdominal pain requiring multiple hospital visits. Imaging showed stones blocking the pancreatic duct along with dilation of the duct. The patient underwent a minimally invasive pancreatic drainage procedure that created a new pathway for pancreatic juices to drain into the intestine. His pain improved significantly following surgery, and he was discharged in stable condition within five days.
Another case involved an 11-year-old boy who presented with severe abdominal pain and jaundice. He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis with obstruction of the bile duct. The surgical team performed a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to drain the pancreatic duct and relieve the bile duct obstruction, restoring the normal flow of digestive and biliary secretions. The child recovered well following the surgery.
Expert Comment
Speaking about the surgical experience, Dr. Amit Javed, Principal Director & HOD – Laparoscopic GI, GI Oncology, Bariatric & MIS Surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said: “Chronic pancreatitis significantly affects patients’ quality of life, leading to persistent abdominal pain and digestive difficulties. Minimally invasive laparoscopic pancreatic drainage procedures help relieve ductal obstruction, remove pancreatic stones, and restore pancreatic drainage. Compared to traditional open surgery, this approach allows faster recovery, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays. FMRI Gurugram is among the few centres in India performing these complex laparoscopic pancreatic procedures, and our team has successfully treated close to 200 patients using this approach.”
Yash Rawat, Facility Director & Senior Vice President, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, added: “The successful management of these complex cases highlights the growing expertise in advanced minimally invasive pancreatic surgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute. By combining surgical precision with modern laparoscopic techniques, the hospital continues to expand treatment options for patients suffering from complex pancreatic disorders. Such advancements help reduce surgical trauma, promote faster recovery, and improve long-term patient outcomes.”
The GI surgical team at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, has performed close to 200 minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries for patients with chronic pancreatitis, representing one of the largest reported series of laparoscopic pancreatic surgeries for chronic pancreatitis in India. With advances in minimally invasive techniques, selected patients can now be treated laparoscopically, offering potential advantages such as smaller incisions, faster recovery, and reduced postoperative discomfort. Most patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatic duct drainage procedures, where the obstructed pancreatic duct is opened and connected to the intestine to allow improved drainage of pancreatic juices and relief of ductal pressure.
