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Paramythiotis D, Karlafti E, Kollatou AS, Simou T, Mavropoulou X, Psoma E, Rafailidis V, Papachristodoulou A, Pyrrou N, Ioannidis A, Panidis S, Michalopoulos A. Pancreatolithiasis: Does Management Depend on Clinical Manifestations? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2024; 25:e942725. [PMID: 38615191 PMCID: PMC11025692 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.942725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic calculi (PC) or pancreatolithiasis refers to the presence of stones in the main pancreatic duct (MPD), side branches, or parenchyma of the pancreas. It is highly associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP), and is present in 50-90% of those patients. The stone formation can be attributed to a diversity of factors, all of them leading to obstruction in the duct, hypertension of its distal part, increased intraductal and parenchymal pressure, and inflammation, causing the standard symptom, epigastric pain. Immediate restoration of pancreatic secretion flow is of utmost importance and can be achieved with both endoscopic and surgical techniques. Endoscopic techniques include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined, if possible, with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while surgical techniques consist of drainage and resection procedures. The choice of treatment for PC depends on the location, size, and number of stones, and the existence of other complications. CASE REPORT We present 2 cases that were diagnosed with PC, in which clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging examinations were different, suggesting the variety of manifestations pancreatolithiasis can cause. Each patient was treated differently, according to their clinical situation and the presence or absence of complications. Both patients were discharged and fully recovered. CONCLUSIONS The management of pancreatolithiasis can be demanding in some cases, mostly when there are complications. The purpose of this case report is to indicate the importance of personalized treatment for each patient, as different approaches to the same medical condition should be easily identified and successfully treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paramythiotis
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Department of Emergency, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angeliki Sevasti Kollatou
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Simou
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Xanthippi Mavropoulou
- Department of Clinical Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elisavet Psoma
- Department of Clinical Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasileios Rafailidis
- Department of Clinical Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angeliki Papachristodoulou
- Department of Clinical Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Pyrrou
- Department of Clinical Radiology, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Ioannidis
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Panidis
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios Michalopoulos
- 1 Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Ghanem UI, Bael PR, Bakri I, Jaber B, Abu-Zaydeh O, Al-Shawa KN. Pancreatic duct stones treated by Whipple as a last resort: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 115:109286. [PMID: 38277984 PMCID: PMC10837058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Chronic Pancreatitis is an irreversible inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to fibrosis and scar formation. Pseudocysts are a late complication of chronic pancreatitis and abdominal pain is the most common presenting complaint. CASE PRESENTATION A 48-year-old male who is a known case of chronic pancreatitis presented to our department complaining of abdominal pain for a duration of three weeks. A CT scan revealed a pseudocyst in the head of the pancreas, stones in the unicate process along with dilatation of the body and tail of the pancreas. CLINICAL DISCUSSION After multiple ERCP failures and considering other endoscopic options, the patient was indicated for the Whipple procedure with Roux-en-y reconstruction. Postoperatively, the patient stayed in the hospital for about a week. He was asymptomatic and well but had an elevated random blood sugar level. He was discharged and recommended to follow up with an endocrinologist. CONCLUSION Whipple procedure can be used for patients with multiple pancreatic duct stones when endoscopic therapies are not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usra I Ghanem
- Medical Research Club, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
| | - Peter R Bael
- Medical Research Club, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Izzeddin Bakri
- Department of Pathology, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, Palestine
| | - Bashar Jaber
- Department of General Surgery, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Omar Abu-Zaydeh
- Department of General Surgery, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Khaled N Al-Shawa
- Department of General Surgery, Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine.
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Gerges C, Beyna T, Neuhaus H. Management of Pancreatic Duct Stones: Nonextracorporeal Approach. Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am 2023; 33:821-829. [PMID: 37709413 DOI: 10.1016/j.giec.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an ongoing inflammatory disease with most patients developing pancreatic calculi during their course of disease. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a first-line treatment option in patients with large lumen obstructing pancreatic duct (PD) stones. In patients with CP and PD dilatation, digital single-operator pancreatoscopy (DSOP)-guided lithotripsy seems to be an appealing option to ESWL and surgery. DSOP-guided lithotripsy for the treatment of large symptomatic PD-stones has been demonstrated to be safe, technically, and clinically effective, and should be regarded as an alternative endoscopic treatment of certain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gerges
- University Hospital Essen, Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
| | - Torsten Beyna
- EVLK Duesseldorf, Kirchfeldstr. 40, 40489, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Horst Neuhaus
- RKM 740 Clinic, Pariserstr. 98, 40549, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Kaushik N, Dasari V, Jain D. Management of Pancreatic Calculi in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Review Article. Cureus 2023; 15:e35788. [PMID: 37025704 PMCID: PMC10072785 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is a slow, irreversible, and progressive inflammatory condition with abdominal pain, loss of parenchyma, fibrosis, and calculus formation. It also causes loss of exocrine and endocrine function. Gallstones and alcohol is the most frequent cause of chronic pancreatitis. It is also caused by other factors, including oxidative stress, fibrosis, and repeated incidence of acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is followed by several sequelae, one of them being formation of calculi in the pancreas. The formation of calculi can occur in the main pancreatic duct, branches of the duct, and parenchyma. The cardinal sign of chronic pancreatitis is pain caused by obstruction of pancreatic ducts and its branches leading to ductal hypertension resulting in pain. The main aim of endotherapy includes pancreatic duct decompression. The management options vary based on the type and size of the calculus. The treatment of choice for small-sized pancreatic calculi is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by sphincterotomy and extraction. The large-sized calculi need fragmentation before extraction, which is done by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Surgery can be an option for patients having severe pancreatic calculi if endoscopic therapy fails. For diagnostic purposes, imaging plays a very important role. The treatment options remain complex if the radiological and laboratory findings overlap. Due to advancements in diagnostic imaging, treatment options have become precise and helpful. It can significantly lower the quality of life along with immediate and long-term problems that pose a serious risk to life. This review comprises the various management options available for removing calculi following chronic pancreatitis, including surgical, endoscopic, and medical therapy.
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Muramoto Y, Matsumori T, Uza N. Pancreatic stones treated via an EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy with a fully-covered self-expandable metal stent. VideoGIE 2021; 6:419-421. [PMID: 34527842 PMCID: PMC8430273 DOI: 10.1016/j.vgie.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Video 1Pancreatic stones treated via an EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent. A 42-year-old man who had undergone a distal pancreatectomy 2 years earlier for chronic pancreatitis due to alcohol use, with pancreatic stones, presented because of severe abdominal pain. Blood tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers and pancreatic enzymes. CT depicted pancreatic stones up to 1 cm in size in the entire pancreatic parenchyma and main pancreatic duct. Obstructive pancreatitis caused by pancreatic stones was diagnosed. Transpapillary removal of the stones was attempted, but the main pancreatic duct could not be approached because of the pancreatic stones near the duodenal papilla. We attempted to approach the main pancreatic duct via the transgastric route with endoscopic ultrasound guidance. CT showed pancreatic stones in the main pancreatic duct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Muramoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Matsumori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Uza
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Japan
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Guo JY, Qian YY, Sun H, Chen H, Zou WB, Hu LH, Li ZS, Xin L, Liao Z. Optimal Timing of Endoscopic Intervention After Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy in the Treatment of Chronic Calcified Pancreatitis. Pancreas 2021; 50:633-638. [PMID: 33939679 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The interval between extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may cause differences in cannulation and stone removal. This study was to investigate the optimal timing of ERCP after ESWL. METHODS Patients with chronic calcified pancreatitis, who underwent ESWL and subsequent ERCP in Changhai Hospital from February 2012 to February 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The interval between ESWL and ERCP was used to divide patients into groups A (<12 hours), B (12-36 hours), and C (>36 hours). Cannulation success, stone clearance, and post-ESWL/ERCP complications were compared. RESULTS A total of 507 patients were enrolled. There were no significant differences regarding the successful cannulation and stone removal rates between the 3 groups. In patients without prior ERCP, the successful cannulation rates were 71.4%, 81.9%, and 90.9% (P = 0.004), and the successful clearance rates were 76.2%, 85.1%, and 90.9% (P = 0.031) for these 3 groups, respectively, showing significant differences. There were no differences in the successful cannulation and stone extraction rates for patients with prior ERCP. CONCLUSIONS The interval between ESWL and ERCP in chronic calcified pancreatitis patients with prior ERCP is not relevant, while delaying endoscopic intervention is recommended in those with native papilla.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hui Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second People's Hospital of Karamay, Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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McCarty TR, Sobani Z, Rustagi T. Per-oral pancreatoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy for difficult pancreatic duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endosc Int Open 2020; 8:E1460-E1470. [PMID: 33043115 PMCID: PMC7541182 DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-3187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and study aims Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) with intraductal lithotripsy via electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) facilitates optically-guided stone fragmentation of difficult pancreatic stones refractory to conventional endoscopic therapy. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POP with intraductal lithotripsy for difficult pancreatic duct stones. Methods Individualized search strategies were developed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. This was a cumulative meta-analysis performed by calculating pooled proportions with rates estimated using random effects models. Measured outcomes included pooled technical success, complete or partial stone fragmentation success, complete duct clearance after initial lithotripsy session, and adverse events (AEs). Results Ten studies (n = 302 patients; 67.72 % male; mean age 55.10 ± 3.22 years) were included with mean stone size of 10.66 ± 2.19 mm. The most common stone location was in the pancreatic head (66.17 %). Pooled technical success was 91.18 % with an overall fragmentation success of 85.77 %. Single lithotripsy session stone fragmentation and pancreatic duct clearance occurred in 62.05 % of cases. Overall, adverse events were reported in 14.09 % of patients with post-procedure pancreatitis developing in 8.73 %. Of these adverse events, 4.84 % were classified as serious. Comparing POP-EHL vs POP-LL, there was no significant difference in technical success, fragmentation success, single session duct clearance, or AEs ( P > 0.0500). Conclusions Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, POP with intraductal lithotripsy appears to be an effective and relatively safe procedure for patients with difficult to remove pancreatic duct stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. McCarty
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Zain Sobani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
| | - Tarun Rustagi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
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Haraldsson S, Roug S, Nøjgaard C, Novovic S, Gluud LL, Feldager E, Schmidt PN. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic duct stones: an observational study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2019; 53:1399-1403. [PMID: 30353766 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1508611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies suggest that fragmentation of pancreatic duct stones (PDS) using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is associated with pain relief. However, the treatment may not be effective in certain subgroups. AIM To evaluate predictors of pain relief after ESWL in patients with chronic pancreatitis and PDS. METHODS Retrospective study including patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing ESWL for painful PDS. Analgesic use before and after the ESWL procedure was registered. We defined adequate pain relief after ESWL as 'pain-free without analgesics or with use of weak analgesics as needed'. The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (approval number: AHH-2017-048). RESULTS We included 81 patients (median age 58 years; 63% men; 68% alcoholic pancreatitis). Patients underwent one to seven ESWL procedures (mean 1.7). A concurrent ERCP was performed in 17%. All patients used analgesics before the ESWL procedure (68 used opioids). After ESWL, 43 still used opioids. Thirty-two patients achieved adequate pain relief. Univariable regression analysis showed that older age predicted adequate pain relief (OR 1.09;1.03-1.16; p = .002) as did location of the stone in the head or neck (OR 2.59;1.04-6.45; p = .041). In multivariable analysis, we found that the only two predictors of adequate pain relief were age (p = .002) and the location of the stones (p = .039). CONCLUSION After the ESWL, about four out of ten patients are pain-free without medication or able to manage their pain with weak analgesics. Age and the location of the stones may be considered when evaluating if patients are eligible for referral to ESWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Haraldsson
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Landspitali - University Hospital , Reykjavik , Iceland
| | - Stine Roug
- b Abdominal Center K, Bispebjerg Hospital , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Camilla Nøjgaard
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery , Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark
| | - Srdan Novovic
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery , Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery , Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark
| | - Erik Feldager
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery , Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark
| | - Palle Nordblad Schmidt
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Surgery , Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre , Hvidovre , Denmark
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Cros J, Bazin D, Kellum A, Rebours V, Daudon M. Investigation at the micrometer scale of pancreatic calcifications in chronic pancreatitis by μFTIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. CR CHIM 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crci.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Kim YH, Jang SI, Rhee K, Lee DK. Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic calculi. Clin Endosc 2014; 47:227-35. [PMID: 24944986 PMCID: PMC4058540 DOI: 10.5946/ce.2014.47.3.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that destroys pancreatic parenchyma and alters ductal stricture, leading to ductal destruction and abdominal pain. Pancreatic duct stones (PDSs) are a common complication of chronic pancreatitis that requires treatment to relieve abdominal pain and improve pancreas function. Endoscopic therapy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and surgery are treatment modalities of PDSs, although lingering controversies have hindered a consensus recommendation. Many comparative studies have reported that surgery is the superior treatment because of reduced duration and frequency of hospitalization, cost, pain relief, and reintervention, while endoscopic therapy is effective and less invasive but cannot be used in all patients. Surgery is the treatment of choice when endoscopic therapy has failed, malignancy is suspected, or duodenal stricture is present. However, in patients with the appropriate indications or at high-risk for surgery, endoscopic therapy in combination with ESWL can be considered a first-line treatment. We expect that the development of advanced endoscopic techniques and equipment will expand the role of endoscopic treatment in PDS removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hoon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Ill Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwangwon Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Godoil Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Ki Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Jabłońska B. Is endoscopic therapy the treatment of choice in all patients with chronic pancreatitis? World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:12-16. [PMID: 23326157 PMCID: PMC3542763 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 09/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma with subsequent fibrosis that leads to pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Abdominal pain and local complications (bile duct or duodenal stenosis and pancreatic tumor) secondary to CP are indications for therapy. At the beginning, medical therapy is used. More invasive treatment is recommended for patients with pancreatic duct stones (PDS) and pancreatic obstruction in whom standard medical therapy is not sufficient. Recently, Clarke et al assessed the long-term effectiveness of endoscopic therapy (ET) in CP patients. The authors compared ET with medical treatment. They reported that ET was clinically successful in 50% of patients with symptomatic CP. In this commentary, current CP treatment, including indications for ET and surgery in CP patients, is discussed. Recommendations for endoscopic treatment of CP according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinical Guidelines are reviewed. Different surgical methods used in the treatment of CP patients are also discussed. ET is the most useful in patients with large PDS, pancreatic duct obstruction and dilation. It should be the first-line option because it is less invasive than surgery. Surgery should be the first-line option in patients in whom ET has failed or in those with a pancreatic mass with suspicion of malignancy. ET is a very effective and less invasive procedure, but it cannot be recommended as the treatment of choice in all CP patients.
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