Chronic pancreatitis: pathogenesis and management of pain

Abdominal pain, excruciating and recurrent, is the dominant feature of chronic pancreatitis that initially brings most of the patients to the physician's attention. The pathogenesis of pancreatic pain is often multifactorial and explains why not all patients respond to the same mode of therapy. Increased intraductal pressure as a result of ductal stricture and/or calculi is the most frequent cause for pain in the large majority of patients with large duct disease. Interstitial hypertension, ongoing pancreatic ischemia, neuronal inflammation, and extra pancreatic complications may be the sole or additional factors in the pathogenesis of pain. The management of pain is difficult and requires a team approach. Internist, gastroenterologist, radiologist, surgeon, and a psychiatrist may have to work together to achieve maximum success. Drug and alcohol dependency needs vigorous management by a psychiatrist. Supportive therapy with a low-fat diet and antioxidant supplementation are helpful. When analgesic therapy fails, surgery may have to be considered much before a narcotic dependency develops. If at all of use, oral pancreatic enzyme therapy is suitable only in a selected group of patients--women with idiopathic pancreatitis. Endoscopic papillotomy, stent placement, and stone removal, although becoming popular, are under trial only and appear to be suitable in those with obstructive disease mostly localized to the head of the pancreas without much proximal disease. A patient with a dilated duct system is a good candidate for Puestow's pancreatico-jejunal anastamosis, which appears to be the best surgical procedure. Those with small duct diseases are difficult to be managed. Resective procedures and celiac ganglion blocking are suggested but not of much help.