The Management of Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) may remain undiagnosed for years until patients exhibit manifestations, such as pain and exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. Some patients with CP develop serious complications, such as malignancy or peripancreatic fluid collections. Considering CP in at-risk patients such as those with a long-standing history of alcohol or tobacco use is key to establishing the diagnosis. Management involves reducing and eliminating exposures, dietary modification, treatment of pancreatic insufficiency, assessing for complications, and surveillance for neoplasia. The management of CP is often multidisciplinary involving medical, endoscopic, and surgical options for therapy.