Pace Hospitals | Best Hospitals in Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Frey Procedure

Frey Procedure in Hyderabad | Best Hospital for Chronic Pancreatitis Surgery

Frey Procedure is a specialized surgical approach to treating chronic pancreatitis, alleviating pain, and improving the quality of life. At PACE Hospitals in Hyderabad, we combine cutting-edge laser and laparoscopic technology with a patient-centered approach to ensure the best outcomes. Our expert surgical team is highly experienced in pancreatic surgeries, ensuring precise execution and faster recovery.


With advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, PACE Hospitals stands as a trusted destination for the Frey Procedure in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Experience compassionate care and world-class treatment tailored to your needs.

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    Frey Procedure in Hyderabad India | Frey Procedure near me | Best Hospital for Pancreatic Surgery
    Advanced State-of-the-Art Pancreatic Surgeries for Chronic Pancreatitis in Hyderabad India

    Advanced State-of-the-Art Pancreatic Surgeries

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    Team of the Pancreas Surgeons in Hyderabad

    Precision Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment with high success rate in Hyderabad India

    Precision Treatment with 99.9% success rate

    All insurance accepted for Frey Procedure Cashless Treatment in Hyderabad India

    All insurance accepted for Cashless Treatment

    What is Frey Procedure?

    Frey's procedure, often called the Frey procedure, is a surgical technique used to treat chronic pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition that causes severe abdominal pain and can impair pancreatic function. It is considered when medical management fails to relieve symptoms.


    Dr. Charles Frey developed a procedure in the 1980s that combines surgical techniques to address chronic pancreatitis-related pain. This involves the resection of inflamed and fibrotic pancreatic head tissue and lateral pancreaticojejunostomy to alleviate pressure in the pancreatic ducts. Frey's procedure is preferred over a total pancreatectomy due to its preservation of a portion of the pancreas, preserving exocrine and endocrine functions, and reducing diabetes risk and malabsorption post-surgery.

    Frey Procedure meaning | Best Frey Procedure hospitals in Hyderabad India

    Types of Frey’s procedure

    Frey's procedure is a specific surgical intervention, with variations based on patient anatomy, disease severity, and surgeon preference:

    • Classic Frey’s procedure: Frey's standard procedure involves removing diseased pancreatic tissue and performing a lateral pancreaticojejunostomy to create a pathway for pancreatic fluid drainage, aiming to maximize pain relief and improve ductal drainage.


    • Modified Frey’s procedure: The classic procedure can be modified by adjusting the extent of pancreatic tissue removal or the drainage length based on the patient's anatomy and pancreatic fibrosis, thereby optimizing symptom relief while preserving healthy pancreatic tissue.
    Frey procedure Indications | Indications for Frey’s procedure

    Frey's procedure is recommended for patients with chronic pancreatitis who meet specific criteria, primarily when non-surgical interventions fail to effectively manage symptoms.


    • Chronic pain: Frey's procedure is recommended for chronic, severe abdominal pain that does not respond to medications or lifestyle changes, resulting from increased pressure in the pancreatic duct system and inflammation in the pancreas head.


    • Pancreatic duct obstruction: Frey's procedure addresses pressure buildup in the pancreatic duct caused by obstruction or inflammation, allowing for the drainage of the duct to alleviate unmanageable pain.


    • Inflammatory enlargement of the pancreatic head: Frey's procedure can help reduce the size of the pancreas gland in cases of chronic pancreatitis, alleviating pressure on surrounding structures.


    • Recurrent episodes of pancreatitis: The procedure can potentially reduce the frequency of pancreatitis episodes in patients with repeated episodes, potentially preventing further complications like malnutrition and pancreatic insufficiency.

    Contraindications of Frey’s procedure

    Frey's procedure is contraindicated in certain cases, as not all patients are suitable candidates for it.


    • Unresectable pancreatic cancer: Frey's procedure is not suitable for patients with malignant pancreatic tumors as it only provides palliative pain relief and does not address malignancy, necessitating alternative surgical interventions.


    • Significant comorbidities: Patients with severe health conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic issues, may face increased risks during surgery, and the potential benefits of Frey's procedure may not outweigh these risks.


    • Non-dilated pancreatic ducts: Frey's procedure aims to reduce pressure in dilated pancreatic ducts, but patients without ductal dilation may not benefit from the procedure.


    • Active systemic infections: Patients with ongoing infections or severe systemic inflammation are at a higher risk of postoperative infections and complications, and any infection must be resolved before surgery.


    • Malnutrition or poor nutritional status: Severe malnutrition can hinder a patient's recovery from surgery and may require nutritional support before the procedure.
    Frey procedure Contraindications | Contraindications for Frey’s procedure

    Preoperative preparation for Frey’s procedure

    Proper preparation is essential for the success of Frey’s procedure. Patients typically undergo comprehensive evaluations to assess their overall health and determine if they are suitable candidates for surgery:


    • Imaging studies: Abdominal CT, MRI, and EUS are used to evaluate pancreatic anatomy, ductal dilation, and the presence of inflammatory mass, ensuring the absence of malignancy.



    • Blood tests and pancreatic function tests: Tests include pancreatic enzyme levels, liver function tests (LFTs), and complete blood counts (CBCs). To determine how much of the pancreas is still functioning, tests of pancreatic function may also be performed.


    • Nutritional optimization: Malabsorption problems and dietary deficiencies are common in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Before surgery, nutritional support—such as high-calorie meals and pancreatic enzyme supplements—may be advised to increase the likelihood of recovery.


    • Pain management optimization: To properly manage chronic pain and avoid withdrawal symptoms after surgery, it is essential to modify pain medications before surgery.

    Frey's procedure steps

    Under general anesthesia, Frey's surgery usually takes a few hours to complete. The following are the surgical steps:

    • Access to the pancreas: The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to expose the pancreas.


    • Coring out the pancreatic head: To relieve pressure on the pancreatic ducts and surrounding structures, the inflammatory tissue in the pancreatic head is gently cored out or removed. Important blood vessels are protected to avoid damage.


    • Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy: The surgeon creates a drainage channel by longitudinally opening the main pancreatic duct after the pancreatic head has been cored out. The jejunum, a loop of the small intestine, is then joined to the duct to relieve pressure and permit the free drainage of pancreatic fluids.


    • Closing the incision: After ensuring no leaks and confirming adequate drainage, the surgeon closes the abdominal incision.


    Postoperative care

    After surgery, patients are closely monitored to manage pain, prevent complications, and promote healing:


    • Pain management: Intravenous painkillers are usually used to treat postoperative pain initially; as the patient heals, oral medications are used.


    • Dietary adjustments: Initially, patients are fed a soft or liquid diet. To prevent pancreatic stress, solid foods are progressively reintroduced as healing progresses.


    • Pancreatic enzyme supplements: Patients may require enzyme supplements if the pancreas cannot produce enough enzymes to aid digestion, preventing malnutrition and improving quality of life.


    • Monitoring for complications: Regular blood tests and imaging studies are performed to check for signs of infection, leakage, or other complications. Patients are monitored for signs of infection or pancreatic fistula (abnormal connections between the pancreas and other organs).
    Frey procedure Advantages | Advantages for Frey’s procedure

    Advantages of Frey’s procedure

    Frey’s procedure offers multiple benefits for patients with chronic pancreatitis as given below:


    • Effective pain relief: By decompressing the pancreatic duct and removing inflamed tissue, Frey’s procedure provides significant and lasting pain relief for most patients.


    • Preservation of pancreatic function: Unlike more radical surgeries, Frey’s procedure preserves a portion of the pancreatic head and duct, allowing continued production of insulin and digestive enzymes.


    • Enhanced quality of life: Patients generally experience a substantial reduction in pain, better digestive function, and fewer hospitalizations after the procedure.


    • Long-term efficacy: The benefits of Frey’s procedure often persist long-term, helping patients manage symptoms without frequent interventions.

    Complications of Frey's procedure

    Although Frey’s procedure is generally safe, it carries some risk of complications, such as:


    • Pancreatic fistula: Leakage from the pancreatic duct to other areas may occur, requiring additional interventions.


    • Infection: Infections at the surgical site or internally may develop, which can be managed with antibiotics and drainage if necessary.


    • Delayed gastric emptying: Some patients have trouble with food passage through the stomach, which usually resolves with dietary adjustments or medications.


    • Pancreatic insufficiency: Due to reduced pancreatic tissue, some patients may require long-term pancreatic enzyme supplementation or insulin.


    • Bleeding: Although rare, bleeding can occur during or after the surgery, sometimes requiring additional intervention.
    Frey procedure Complications | Complications for Frey’s procedure

    Life after Frey’s procedure

    Patients can expect significant improvements in their quality of life after undergoing Frey’s procedure:


    • Pain relief: Most patients report a marked reduction in abdominal pain, often allowing them to discontinue or reduce pain medications.


    • Improved digestive function: With enzyme supplementation and dietary adjustments, patients generally regain normal digestive function, leading to weight stabilization and better nutrition.


    • Lifestyle modifications: Patients are advised to avoid alcohol entirely, as it can worsen pancreatitis, and, adopt a low-fat diet to reduce strain on the pancreas.


    • Regular follow-up: Lifelong follow-up with a specialist is recommended to monitor pancreatic function and manage any emerging issues, such as insulin dependency or enzyme insufficiency.

    Beger vs Frey procedure

    The Beger and Frey procedures are surgical treatments for chronic pancreatitis that involve removing diseased pancreatic tissue. Beger procedure is a laparoscopic procedure that involves removing most of the pancreatic head, while preserving the duodenum, stomach, and bile duct. It's effective for treating inflammatory masses in the pancreatic head, but it can increase the risk of bleeding. Whereas, Frey’s procedure involves removing a limited amount of the pancreatic head and draining the main pancreatic duct.

    Frey procedure vs Puestow

    The Frey procedure and the Puestow procedure are both surgical treatments for chronic pancreatitis, but the Frey procedure is a combination of the Puestow procedure and the removal of part of the pancreas.

    Success rate of Frey’s procedure

    The Frey procedure is considered as a surgical procedure that combines partial resection of the pancreatic head with a longitudinal jejunostomy. It's a safe option for patients with chronic pancreatitis. The Frey procedure has a success rate of 75–95% for pain relief, and a complication rate of 7.5–42%.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Frey’s procedure

    • What is the success rate of Frey’s procedure?

      Frey’s procedure has a high success rate, with up to 80% of patients experiencing significant pain relief post-surgery. While some may still have mild symptoms, most report improved quality of life and reduced need for pain medications. 

    • Is Frey’s procedure a permanent cure for chronic pancreatitis?

      No, it is not a cure, as chronic pancreatitis is irreversible. Frey’s procedure is considered a palliative solution that alleviates symptoms. It reduces inflammation and relieves pain, but patients may still need ongoing medical management for optimal health.

    • What are the potential risks of Frey’s procedure?

      Potential risks include infection, bleeding, pancreatic duct leakage, delayed gastric emptying, and, in rare cases, diabetes or pancreatic insufficiency. Complications can vary based on individual health conditions, surgical expertise, and postoperative care.

    • Can Frey’s procedure prevent pancreatic cancer?

      While Frey’s procedure does not prevent pancreatic cancer, it reduces chronic inflammation, a potential risk factor. This inflammation control may lower cancer risk, but regular monitoring and lifestyle changes remain essential to overall risk management. 

    • How soon can I return to work after Frey’s procedure?

      Patients often return to work within 6-8 weeks, but recovery time varies. Those with physically demanding jobs may need longer, and it’s best to consult the surgeon about safe timing based on individual progress.

    What is Frey’s procedure? 

    Frey’s procedure is a surgical technique to alleviate chronic pancreatitis. It involves removing part of the pancreas head and creating a drainage pathway for the main pancreatic duct. This helps relieve pain, reduces inflammation, and preserves as much pancreatic function as possible, improving quality of life.

    Why is Frey’s procedure performed?

    The procedure is mainly performed to alleviate severe, persistent abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis patients. By partially removing the pancreas head and draining the pancreatic ducts, it relieves ductal obstructions and prevents future complications, allowing patients to manage symptoms more effectively.

    Who is an ideal candidate for Frey’s procedure? 

    Frey’s procedure is ideal for patients with chronic pancreatitis, a dilated pancreatic duct, and ongoing severe pain unresponsive to medications or other therapies. Candidates are usually those with non-malignant conditions and good general health sufficient to tolerate major surgery.

    How does Frey’s procedure differ from the Whipple procedure? 

    Frey’s procedure retains more of the pancreas head and drains the pancreatic ducts, while the Whipple procedure is a larger operation involving the removal of parts of the pancreas, duodenum, bile duct, and gallbladder, primarily used in cancer cases or severe pancreatitis.

    How long is the hospital stay after Frey’s procedure? 

    Hospitalization typically lasts 5-10 days post-surgery, depending on individual recovery rates. During this period, the medical team monitors for complications, provides pain management, and gradually reintroduces oral intake to assess digestive tolerance.

    What kind of anesthesia is used in Frey’s procedure?

    General anesthesia is used, which keeps the patient fully asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The anesthetic team carefully monitors vital signs and adjusts anesthesia as needed to ensure comfort and safety throughout surgery.

    How long does Frey’s procedure take? 

    Frey’s procedure usually takes 4-6 hours, depending on the extent of pancreas head involvement and any unexpected findings. The duration can vary based on surgical complexity, patient anatomy, and intraoperative factors.

    What is recovery like after Frey’s procedure?

    Initial recovery involves managing pain, gradually increasing activity, and adjusting diet. Most patients return to light activities within a month, but full recovery, including digestive adaptation and energy restoration, can take up to 6-8 weeks.

    Will I need enzyme supplements after Frey’s procedure?

    Many patients require pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid digestion, especially if the pancreas function was already compromised. Supplements assist with food absorption, reducing symptoms like bloating, fatty stools, and malnutrition.

    Is diabetes a risk after Frey’s procedure? 

    Yes, as the pancreas regulates blood sugar, surgery may impact its function, potentially leading to diabetes. The risk increases with larger resections, and some patients may need insulin or medication to manage blood sugar postoperatively.

    What is the pain relief rate with Frey’s procedure? 

    Approximately 70-80% of patients experience marked pain relief. Some may need occasional pain management, but Frey’s procedure significantly improves overall pain levels for most, reducing the dependence on medications and enhancing life quality. 

    Are there any dietary restrictions after Frey’s procedure?  

    Yes, patients are generally advised to follow a low-fat diet and avoid alcohol. Smaller, more frequent meals help digestion. The surgical team often recommends specific dietary adjustments to prevent digestive symptoms and aid nutrient absorption.

    Is Frey’s procedure a common surgery? 

    Frey’s procedure is a specialized surgery performed mainly at advanced centers. It requires a skilled pancreatic surgeon, as its complexity means that only centers experienced in pancreatic surgeries offer it frequently.

    What is the long-term outlook after Frey’s procedure?

    Many patients experience significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life. However, regular follow-up is crucial to monitor pancreatic health, manage potential complications, and make dietary adjustments as necessary.

    What should I do if I experience complications after Frey’s procedure? 

    Contact your healthcare expert immediately if you notice signs of infection, jaundice, abnormal pain, or changes in digestion. Prompt medical evaluation is essential for managing any complications and preventing further health issues. 

    How to get an appointment for Frey’s procedure?

    People residing in Hyderabad who are looking for "Frey's procedure near me" can schedule an appointment online at PACE Hospitals by completing the form above titled 'Request an Appointment for Frey’s Procedure' or can call our appointment desk at 04048486868.


    Please remember to bring your previous medical records. This will assist our surgical team in understanding your medical history and providing the best possible care for Frey’s procedure.

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