Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment & Surgery | Dr. Ashok Kumar

Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment & Surgery

Expert Pain Management & Functional Restoration by Dr. Ashok Kumar

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What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is progressive inflammation of the pancreas leading to permanent parenchymal damage, fibrosis, and loss of endocrine/exocrine function. Causes chronic pain, maldigestion, and diabetes. Main causes: alcohol, idiopathic, hereditary, autoimmune.

Symptoms & Indications for Surgery

Clinical Manifestations

  • Severe, persistent abdominal pain
  • Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
  • Weight loss and malnutrition
  • Diabetes (endocrine insufficiency)
  • Pancreatic duct obstruction

Surgical Indications

  • Intractable pain despite medical therapy
  • Ductal obstruction causing stasis
  • Suspected malignancy
  • Pancreatic duct stones or strictures

Surgical Options

Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy

Opens dilated pancreatic duct and drains into jejunum. Most common procedure for ductal disease, providing excellent pain relief.

Distal Pancreatectomy

For tail-limited disease or failure of other procedures. Dr. Ashok Kumar performs with spleen preservation when possible.

Dr. Ashok Kumar: Specialist in complex pancreatic surgery with expertise in pain relief procedures. Extensive experience with both medical and surgical management.

Recovery & Outcomes

Hospital stay 5-7 days. Pain relief achieved in 80-90% of patients. Requires lifelong pancreatic enzyme supplementation and diabetes management. Regular monitoring for complications and recurrent pain.

Related Procedures

Contact Charak Hospital

Phone: 05226664444

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Dr. Ashok Kumar

Surgical Gastroenterologist

  • MCh - SGPGI
  • FRCS
  • FACS
Profile

What is chronic pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. In chronic pancreatitis, long-standing inflammation gradually damages the gland, causing scarring, stones in the pancreatic duct and loss of function.

Causes

  • Long-term heavy alcohol use
  • Tropical (idiopathic) pancreatitis, a form seen in India that often starts at a younger age
  • Smoking, which increases risk and speeds progression
  • Genetic factors
  • Blockage of the pancreatic duct
  • Repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis
  • Autoimmune pancreatitis (less common)

Symptoms

  • Recurrent or constant pain in the upper abdomen, often spreading to the back and worse after meals
  • Weight loss
  • Oily, foul-smelling stools that are hard to flush (steatorrhoea), because fat is not digested
  • Diabetes, when insulin-producing cells are damaged
  • Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

CT scan or MRI with MRCP shows calcification, stones, duct changes and any complications such as cysts. Endoscopic ultrasound may be used in uncertain cases. Blood sugar tests check for diabetes, and stool tests may assess enzyme function.

Treatment

  1. Lifestyle changes: complete avoidance of alcohol and stopping smoking are the most important steps.
  2. Pain management with medicines, under medical supervision.
  3. Pancreatic enzyme supplements taken with meals to improve digestion and weight.
  4. Diabetes management when needed.
  5. Endoscopic treatment: removing stones or placing stents in the pancreatic duct, sometimes with shock-wave treatment to break stones.
  6. Surgery: when pain persists or the duct is blocked, operations such as lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (Partington or Frey procedure) drain the duct or remove the diseased part of the gland.

Long-term care

Chronic pancreatitis needs regular follow-up. A balanced diet, enzyme supplements and diabetes care help maintain nutrition. Because the risk of pancreatic cancer is higher in long-standing chronic pancreatitis, new symptoms such as jaundice or unexplained weight loss should be checked promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can chronic pancreatitis be cured?

The damage to the gland cannot be reversed, but symptoms such as pain and poor digestion can usually be controlled, and progression can be slowed by avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

When is surgery advised?

Surgery is considered when pain is severe and persistent despite medical and endoscopic treatment, or when there are complications such as duct blockage, cysts or a suspicion of cancer.

What should I eat?

Small, frequent meals that are low in fat are usually advised, along with enzyme supplements as prescribed. A dietitian can help plan meals.

Related pages

Book a consultation: call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24/7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, Lucknow.