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Chronic pancreatitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce stimulation of the pancreas, prevent indigestion, reduce pain, and treat diabetes (if present). Treatment may involve:

• Eating a low-fat diet
• Getting enough fat-soluble vitamins and calcium in the diet
• Analgesics or surgical nerve block to relieve pain
• Insulin to control blood sugar levels
• Supplemental pancreatic enzymes to correct underproduction

Patients must not drink alcohol.

Surgery may be recommended if a blockage is found. In severe cases, part or all of the pancreas may be removed.

Expectations (prognosis):

This is a serious disease that may lead to disability and death. The risk of death may be lowered the person continues to avoid alcohol.

Complications:

• Obstruction of the small intestine or bile ducts
• Pancreatic insufficiency
  • Diabetes
  • Fat malabsorption
• Ascites
• Pancreatic pseudocysts (fluid collections), which may become infected
• Blood clots in the splenic vein

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis .

Call for an appointment with your provider if you have pancreatitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

• Review Date: 7/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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