Pancreatitis is simply an inflammation of the pancreas.

What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis presents as a sharp, severe pain in the upper abdominal area, radiating through the back. Nausea and vomiting are also often present. The pain often subsides when you bend forward. You may also have fever, rapid pulse, and tenderness in the abdomen.

With chronic pancreatitis, damage to the pancreas may accrue for years before causing symptoms. These symptoms may include intermittent pain, and also nausea and vomiting. Diabetes may be present, and so may a condition known as steatorrhea, or oily, malodorous stools.

Who Is Likely To Get Pancreatitis?

• Men
• Heavy drinkers and drug abusers
• Patients with hyperlipidemia
• People with gallstones or gallbladder disease
• African-Americans
• Patients with cystic fibrosis

What Does Treatment for Pancreatitis Involve?

For acute pancreatitis, symptomatic treatment is prescribed to relieve pain. The pancreas should be allowed to rest, so no food or drink should be taken; intravenous feeding will be used for several days. If gallstones are present, gallbladder surgery should be performed.

In chronic pancreatitis, it is important to address the underlying factors such as alcohol abuse or diabetes that could be causing the problem. Analgesics may be useful to treat the chronic pain; enzyme therapy such as pancrelipase can help with the malabsorption commonly found in this disorder.

For cases of intractable chronic pancreatitis, the presence of severe chronic pain may justify specialized surgery:

These surgeries are aimed at removing the tissue which becomes chronically inflamed and redirecting the pancreatic juice into the small intestine. They can sometimes be performed laparoscopically to reduce incision size and healing time.

What Are The Advantages OfTreatment?

• Pain and discomfort are relieved
• The possibility of future attacks is diminished

How Long Does It Take?

Treatment with medication is an ongoing commitment. Surgery generally takes several hours but varies depending on the individual procedure and patient.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Pancreatitis surgery is difficult, and further surgery may be required depending on patient response.

When Will I See Results?

It takes time for the digestive system to adapt to the results of pancreatic surgery. There is no specific timetable.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat Pancreatitis?

Surgery is always a last resort. Medication to address pain and treatment of underlying conditions should be the first priority.

Will I Have Pain?

Pain should be reduced by treatment.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

With surgery, you may require a couple of weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified gastroenterologists will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover Pancreatitis Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.