Chronic pancreatitis is a real phenomenon that thankfully afflicts only a minority of patients. It is commonly associated with alcohol but can occur as a result of any pancreatic insult. Classically, abdominal pain is the primary complaint and this can be very difficult to manage effectively. With repeated episodes, the pancreatic tissue can become compromised and many of the functional roles that the pancreas plays can become insufficient. This can result in malnutrition and difficulty managing blood sugar levels. Tests can reveal if pancreatic insufficiency is an issue within this context and treatment employed to minimise the impact.
Pain is often the primary feature of this disease and there are a range of options for management. Chronic pain specialists may be involved and imaging may be employed to define the specific cause for pain in each individual patient. The origin of pain in chronic pancreatitis has classically been difficult to define but possibilities can include chronic low grade inflammation of pancreatic tissue, obstruction of the pancreatic duct/s and or irritation of a complex of surrounding nerves. If the specific origin of pain can be defined this will guide management options. For instance, if the pancreatic duct/s are obstructed procedures or operations may be required to relieve the obstruction. It can take quite some time clarifying the nature of any one individual’s case, so patience is important to avoid making the symptoms worse. Engagement with a multidisciplinary team is vital for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Professor Gundara can help establish this.
