Endoscopic management of chronic pancreatitis

The indications of endoscopic management for chronic pancreatitis are strictly related to the classification of severe types and to the particular anatomy of the ducts: 1. Impacted or distal calculi: endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) alone followed by ESWL when extraction fails. 2. Stone(s) and stricture: EPS, ESWL, NPC, and then 10F plastic stenting. 3. Relapsing strictures (with upwards dilatation) after 6 to 12 months stenting: silicone covered self expanding stent in a trial, versus surgical pancreaticojejunostomy. 4. Paraduodenal cyst bulging into the duodenum: ECD. 5. Jaundice and/or cholestasis due to stricture of the intrapancreatic CBD: 10F single or multiple plastic stent for calibration during 3 months. For relapsing cholestasis and stricture, 30F metal mesh stent versus surgical hepaticojejunostomy. The indications of endoscopic management for chronic pancreatitis are specific and require complete imaging and functional check up (ERCP, CT scanner, endosonography, pancreatic function tests). The technique is quite difficult and requires definition fluoroscopy, appropriate devices and experienced team. On this condition, the complication rate is very low and usually medically controlled. Treatment does not compromise any further surgery. Endoscopy allows to avoid or to postpone surgery which indication will become better defined and selected in the future.