Management of chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis results from repeated episodes of pancreatic inflammation and associated fibrosis leading to the loss of functional exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function. The disease is manifested by abdominal pain, deterioration in quality of life, food maldigestion and malabsorption, diabetes, and an increased risk for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This review summarizes the latest evidence on the diagnosis and management of chronic pancreatitis and its manifestations. In particular, this review discusses advances in understanding of the role of genetic disorders in the mechanisms of the disease and surgical options for patients refractory to medical therapy. Furthermore, clinical trials are under way to develop medical therapeutics.

Letter to the Editor: ‘Long-term quality of life between duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection and pancreatoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis’

“…In cases opting for PD, the pancreas is often significantly fibrotic due to inflammation 3 , with a harder texture, making Beger’s procedure more challenging and necessitating the choice of PD. Consequently, patients in the PD group may exhibit more severe pancreatic fibrosis 4 , suggesting potentially diminished endocrine and exocrine functions compared to those undergoing Beger or Frey procedures, a factor that may impact OS and warrants further research for clarification.…”