Table 1.
Table provides an overview of various treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis, summarizing key points for each approach
|
Treatment method
|
Key points
|
| Surgical intervention | Careful planning to prevent permanent and autonomous pain |
| Priority on pain treatment to avoid chronic opioid use | |
| Optimal timing depends on patient and disease factors. Early surgery may result in greater pain alleviation | |
| Surgical procedures | Goal: Clear pancreatic and bile duct obstructions |
| Two types: Drainage operations and resection treatments | |
| Evolution from drainage to resection and hybrid procedures | |
| Minimally invasive procedures | Laparoscopic and robotic techniques as options |
| Robotic techniques lack conclusive evidence over open surgery | |
| Endoscopic interventions | Endoscopic therapy as a first, less intrusive option |
| Pancreatic duct stenting for relief in CP with strictures | |
| Celiac plexus blocking | Commonly used for pain therapy, but effectiveness data lacking |
| Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block reserved for selected cases | |
| Acupuncture and PNS | PNS a viable treatment for CP pain |
| Acupuncture shows promise as a complementary therapy. Further research needed | |
| ESWL | ESWL alone or with ERCP based on individual characteristics |
| Endoscopic treatment recommended post-ESWL in specific cases |
PNS: Percutaneous electric nerve stimulation; ESWL: Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy; ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; CP: Chronic pancreatitis.