Chronic Pancreatitis

Expert Diagnosis & Surgical Management of Long-Term Pancreatic Inflammation

Overview

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas that leads to permanent structural damage, fibrosis, and functional impairment. Over time, it causes digestive problems, chronic abdominal pain, and diabetes, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life.

What Is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Unlike acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis does not resolve completely and worsens over time. It is characterized by:

• Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas
• Calcification of pancreatic tissue
• Loss of both digestive (exocrine) and hormonal (endocrine) functions
• Recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain

Causes

• Chronic alcohol consumption (most common cause)
• Genetic mutations (e.g., PRSS1, SPINK1)
• Autoimmune pancreatitis
• Obstructive causes – pancreatic duct stricture or stones
• Tropical pancreatitis (common in India)
• Idiopathic – no known cause

Symptoms

• Persistent or recurrent upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back
• Malabsorption and greasy stools (steatorrhea)
• Weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
• Diabetes mellitus due to islet cell loss
• Pancreatic stones or duct blockage
• Episodes of acute pancreatitis superimposed on chronic disease

Diagnosis

• Blood Tests – Amylase, lipase, glucose levels, vitamin levels
• Imaging –
  • CT Scan or MRI – to detect pancreatic calcification and ductal changes
  • MRCP or ERCP – for detailed ductal anatomy
  • EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) – highly sensitive for early disease
• Fecal elastase – to assess exocrine insufficiency
• Glucose tolerance test – for endocrine function assessment

Why Choose Us for Chronic Pancreatitis?

• Over 30 years of experience in complex HPB and pancreatic surgeries
• MCh GI Surgery from AIIMS New Delhi
• Director of Robotic Surgery – CARE Hospitals, Vizag
• Pioneer in robotic and laparoscopic pancreatic surgery in India
• Multidisciplinary care: surgeons, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and pain specialists

Restoring Quality of Life Through Advanced Pancreatic Care

Living with chronic pancreatitis can be painful and debilitating. We focus not just on treating the disease, but on restoring digestive function, relieving pain, and improving life quality through personalized care.