Current Approaches in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis is a fibroinflammatory syndrome of the pancreas that results in exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and chronic pain. It can be seen in all age groups depending on the etiologic factors. It is believed that alcohol is one of the major etiologic factors of chronic pancreatitis, but it is now recognized that alcohol is responsible for 50% of the cases. Mutations in many genes such as PRSS1, SPINK1, CTRC, CFTR are identified as causative or predisposing factors for CP. Early diagnosis and staging of CP are still a challenge in clinic. Although the chief complaint of patients with CP is abdominal pain, CP can cause many disorders such as diabetes or metabolic bone diseases. The treatment of CP mainly depends on the severity of the disease and morphology of the pancreas. Medical therapy, endoscopy and surgery are all used for the treatment of CP and its complications.