A new procedure, duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas, has been developed for the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with inflammatory enlargement of the pancreatic head. This organ-preserving operation leads to low early and late morbidity and mortality. We report on our own experience with this procedure in the treatment of 20 patients with chronic pancreatitis. Based on the advantageous results, we favor this operation for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis with head enlargement.