Chronic pancreatitis
It is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that develops as a result of prolonged inflammation and is accompanied by pain, impaired digestion of food and endocrine insufficiency. Unlike acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive deterioration of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis is a long—term inflammation of the pancreas, in which the enzymes produced by the gland to digest food begin to destroy its tissues. This leads to the development of scarring, which disrupts the normal outflow of digestive enzymes and impairs the absorption of nutrients. Over time, the damaged gland tissues are replaced by connective tissue, which further impairs its function. Chronic pancreatitis is often accompanied by pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the back, as well as digestive problems such as steatorrhea, fatty feces that are difficult to wash off. Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to disruption of the endocrine function of the pancreas, which can cause the development of diabetes. The main causes of this disease are alcohol abuse and diseases of the biliary tract, such as cholelithiasis.
Causes
Alcohol abuse
Diseases of the biliary tract (cholelithiasis)
Smoking
Genetic predisposition
High levels of triglycerides or calcium in the blood
Autoimmune diseases
Medications (hormones, diuretics)
Recurrence of acute pancreatitis
Symptoms
Pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back
Increased pain after eating
Greasy feces that doesn't flush well from the toilet
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Bloating, flatulence
Vomiting and nausea
Impaired glucose tolerance, development of diabetes mellitus
After-effects
One of the most common consequences is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which leads to impaired digestion and absorption of food. Patients may suffer from persistent digestive disorders, weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies. Chronic inflammation also increases the risk of developing diabetes due to damage to the islets of Langerhans responsible for the production of insulin.
Another dangerous complication of chronic pancreatitis is the formation of cysts or pancreatic necrosis, which can cause serious infectious complications or even require surgical intervention. Chronic inflammation can also lead to the development of malignant neoplasms in the pancreas.
Лечение
Conservative treatment
Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring pancreatic function. Patients are advised to completely abstain from alcohol and smoking and follow a special diet. Medical treatment includes enzyme preparations that help improve food digestion and prevent steatorrhea. Analgesics may be prescribed. Proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed to reduce the acidity of gastric juice.
Surgical treatment
It is indicated in the presence of complications such as obstruction of the pancreatic ducts, cysts or pancreatic necrosis. The most common procedure is the drainage of cysts or stenting of the bile and pancreatic ducts to restore the normal outflow of enzymes. In severe cases, partial or complete removal of the pancreas may be required. Endoscopic techniques are also widely used for the treatment of obstructive pancreatitis, including removal of duct stones or stricture correction by dilating narrowed areas.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign