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Treatment Options for Chronic Pancreatitis
Goals of Treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis
The goals of therapy for chronic pancreatitis (CP) are pain management, restoration of pancreatic function whenever possible, and the detection and management of complications.
Treatment plans usually consist of some or all of the following elements:
- Pain relief with medication
- Endoscopic procedures
- Surgery
- Nerve block
- Restoration of pancreatic function and nutritional status
- Management of complications if they occur
- Total abstinence from alcohol and tobacco
The treatment of chronic pancreatitis is determined by several factors such as the cause of the pancreatitis, the extent and location of damage of the pancreas, the presence or absence of symptoms, complications, and the general health of the patient. When symptoms are mild or absent ("silent pancreatitis") no treatment is indicated.
The treatment of CP usually involves a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals including:
- Gastroenterologist
- Surgeon
- Pain specialist
- Mental health professionals to deal with issues such as the decline in daily functioning experienced by people with severe intractable pain or opioid addiction.
