Procedure Description:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic method that uses endoscopy and fluoroscopy to address specific issues with the pancreatic or biliary ductal systems. The majority of those who execute it are highly qualified gastroenterologists with specialized training.

Disease Overview:

Chronic pancreatitis

A persistent inflammatory condition known as chronic pancreatitis causes the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic parenchyma to irreversibly degrade due to atrophy and/or fibrotic tissue replacement. Severe stomach pain, diabetes mellitus, and malabsorption are examples of functional effects.

Disease Sign and Symptoms:

Frequent bouts of abdominal (tummy) discomfort are the most typical sign of chronic pancreatitis. Digestion issues can also arise eventually. Usually starting in the center or left side of the abdomen, the discomfort might occasionally radiate down your back.

Disease Causes:

The reasons of chronic pancreatitis are as follows:

1. An acute pancreatitis episode that results in pancreatic duct injury.

2. A cancer-related obstruction of the major pancreatic duct.

3. A few autoimmune conditions.

4. The disease cystic fibrosis.

5. Pancreatic hereditary disorders.

6- Smoking.

Sometimes there is no known cause.

Disease Diagnosis:

The initial step in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is frequently an X-ray imaging. Your physician can review the pictures to look for indications of pancreatitis. Sound wave technology is used in ultrasound to produce images. This is useful for identifying calcium deposits or modifications to the pancreatic ducts.

Disease Treatment:

The goal of treating chronic pancreatitis is to lessen symptoms and assist in managing the illness.

Modifications in lifestyle:

1. Steer clear of alcohol

2. Giving up smoking

3. Modifications to diet

Pancreatic enzyme supplements may be administered to you in order to improve the efficiency of your digestive system.

Steroid medication: Because it reduces pancreatic inflammation, steroid medication is advised for patients with immune system-related chronic pancreatitis.

Drugs: analgesic

Severe episodes: You might require a brief hospital stay for treatment if your pancreatic inflammation unexpectedly worsens. This may entail getting oxygen injected into your nose through tubes and receiving fluids directly into a vein.

Surgery: For patients with chronic pancreatitis, surgery is a treatment option for severe discomfort.
1. Endoscopic surgery: Individuals who have gallstones in the pancreatic duct opening may find relief with lithotripsy and endoscopic surgery.
2. Pancreas resection: The pancreas might be surgically excised if some sections are inflamed and causing excruciating pain. If endoscopic therapy is unsuccessful, a pancreatic resection may also be recommended.
3. Total pancreatectomy: When the pancreas has sustained significant damage due to severe chronic pancreatitis, it may be essential to remove the entire organ (total pancreatectomy).