Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is chronic progressive inflammation leading to fibrosis, exocrine/endocrine insufficiency, and pain, usually from alcohol (or idiopathic/genetic/hypercalcemia), presenting with recurrent epigastric pain, steatorrhea, and diabetes. Treatment: abstinence from alcohol/smoking; pain control (analgesics/nerve blocks); pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT); nutritional support; manage diabetes; treat cause (gallstones/hypercalcemia); ERCP/lithotripsy/stenting for duct obstruction; surgical resection/drainage for intractable pain/complications; screen for pancreatic cancer; follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Recurrent epigastric pain; steatorrhea; diabetes; by alcohol/idiopathic

Causes and Pathogenesis

Chronic injury causes fibrosis, duct strictures, and exocrine/endocrine loss.

Treatment

Abstinence; pain control; PERT; manage diabetes; ERCP/surgery for obstruction

Preventive Measures

Limit alcohol; stop smoking; treat gallstones/hypercalcemia.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Hepatobiliary-surgery/Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.