Frey’s Procedure Using the Harmonic Scalpel

Abstract

Frey’s procedure, which is performed for chronic pancreatitis, principally involves coring of the head of the pancreas and pancreaticojejunostomy. The coring of the inflamed and enlarged pancreatic head is the most difficult and time-consuming part of this operation and is often associated with considerable bleeding. We used the harmonic scalpel to perform Frey’s procedure in six consecutive patients, which reduced intraoperative bleeding and made the operation technically easier.