The effectiveness of a conservative approach in the management of groove pancreatitis

Background: Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a form of pancreatitis that affects the pancreaticoduodenal groove area, which lies between the head of the pancreas, the second part of the duodenum and the distal bile duct, presenting as abdominal pain and gastric outlet obstruction. In this study, we present the clinical and radiological characteristics of individuals diagnosed with groove pancreatitis at our center and discuss the use of a conservative treatment approach in managing GP.

Methods: The data of patients with groove pancreatitis treated at our center between January 2012 and December 2021 was analyzed. The clinical, laboratory and radiological features were recorded and patients were followed up for at least six months in the pancreatic clinic by a specialist doctor.

Results: Fifty patients were included in the study. Most patients were males (98%) in the middle age group (35 to 55 years) (70%) with chronic alcohol use and/or smoking noted in 48 (96%) of them. Ninety-six per cent presented with recurrent abdominal pain. The most common imaging features were the thickening of the medial duodenal wall (100%) followed by enhancement of the scar tissue in the groove (98%). All patients were initially treated conservatively with advice to abstain from addictions, of whom 35 patients were followed up. Twenty per cent of the patients (seven out of 35) did not respond and required a step-up approach with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (for biliary obstruction), celiac block (for ongoing abdominal pain) and surgery (gastrojejunostomy for gastric outlet obstruction, Frey's procedure for abdominal pain). Most patients were asymptomatic at follow-up (mean follow-up of 30 months).

Conclusion: The diagnosis of GP continues to be a challenge. A step-up approach appears to be a reasonable strategy in managing GP as most of them can be managed conservatively.