Chronic pancreatitis: Current diagnosis and treatment

Chronic pancreatitis is a disease most commonly caused by alcoholism. It is a disease that manifests itself over the course of 10 to 20 years. It is associated with significant pain and narcotic addiction. Medical treatment appears to be limited, but the use of oral enzyme replacement for control of exocrine insufficiency, and the use of stenting may play at least a temporizing role. Results secondary to surgery have been promising, with long term success in the 70 to 85% range. Despite surgical procedures, however, the ravages of chronic pancreatitis continue. As fibrosis continues, there is further compromise of exocrine and endocrine function. Cessation of alcohol appears to be a critical adjunct to management of this disease.