Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment
Long-term specialist care for chronic pancreatitis, including pain management, pancreatic enzyme replacement and assessment of complications.
Overview
Understanding chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. It can cause persistent or recurrent upper abdominal pain, often travelling through to the back, and may also lead to weight loss or digestive problems.
Chronic pancreatitis treatment and long-term care
Treatment focuses on long-term symptom control and preventing further pancreatic damage. Care may include addressing alcohol intake and smoking, managing pain, treating pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and arranging specialist follow-up.
What causes chronic pancreatitis?
Long-term alcohol use is a common cause. Smoking can also contribute. Less common causes include inherited pancreatic conditions, autoimmune pancreatitis, blockage of the pancreatic duct and recurrent acute pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms
The main symptom is usually upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms can include nausea, poor appetite, weight loss, bloating and diarrhoea. Pain may be worse after eating.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food properly. Symptoms can include bloating, loose bowel motions, urgency, pale or floating stools and unintended weight loss.
How is chronic pancreatitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history and imaging. CT is often used to look for calcification, scarring and duct changes, while MRI, MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound may be helpful in selected cases.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, controlling pain and treating digestive enzyme deficiency. Pain relief may involve stepwise medication, pain specialist input and, in selected cases, nerve blocks.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
If pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is present, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy may be prescribed with meals and snacks to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Surgery and specialist procedures
Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if there is pancreatic duct obstruction, severe pain not controlled by other treatments, complications such as jaundice, or a need to exclude other disease.
Frequently asked questions
Chronic pancreatitis FAQs
Can chronic pancreatitis cause problems with digestion?
Yes. If the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, patients may develop bloating, loose or floating stools, urgency and weight loss.
Is chronic pancreatitis always caused by alcohol?
No. Alcohol is a common cause, but chronic pancreatitis may also be associated with smoking, inherited conditions or other pancreatic disorders.
Why is smoking cessation important in chronic pancreatitis?
Smoking can worsen pancreatic damage and is associated with more persistent disease.
Will chronic pancreatitis need surgery?
Most patients are managed without surgery. Surgery is considered only in selected cases such as severe ongoing pain, obstruction or complications.
Can chronic pancreatitis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most patients are managed without surgery, using measures such as pain control, lifestyle changes, enzyme replacement and specialist monitoring.
Specialist care in Manchester
Book a consultation with Mr Christian Macutkiewicz
Arrange a private consultation at Spire Manchester Hospital to discuss your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Hernia Clinic Manchester 