Patient with Chronic Abdominal Pain from Pancreatitis

Abstract

Early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is possible by combining clinical information with pancreatic function testing, endoscopic ultrasonography, histology, and traditional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Such an approach helps improve the sensitivity and specificity of these complementary modalities. Pain management of chronic pancreatitis involves multidisciplinary and multimodal approaches. Behavioral modifications such as alcohol cessation, nutritional optimization, and cognitive-behavioral therapy play a significant role for better long-term outcomes. Pharmacologic management is directed at relieving both psychological and physical symptoms, and combination pharmacotherapies are often needed to address pancreatic deficiency, abdominal pain, and psychological disorders. Interventional approaches to celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve blocks and denervation (radiofrequency ablation, endoscopic or surgical denervation) may provide significant and prolonged pain relief. Neuromodulation in the form of spinal cord stimulation is a viable option for long-term pain relief. Managing complications of chronic pancreatitis, such as gastrointestinal complications (peptic ulcer, bile duct stenosis), pseudocysts, malnutrition, depression, diabetes, and painful diabetic neuropathy, is an integral part of comprehensive treatment and requires close collaboration between members of a multidisciplinary team. This review contains 1 figures, 2 tables and 64 references Key words: behavioral modifications, celiac plexus, chronic abdominal pain, chronic pancreatitis, interventional therapy, pharmacologic modulation, splanchnic nerves, surgical intervention