What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis means inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas.

1️⃣ Acute Pancreatitis

What is acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.

Common causes

• Gallstones (most common)

• Alcohol intake

• Injury, infection, or some medicines

Symptoms

• Severe upper abdominal pain (often goes to the back)

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Bloated abdomen

How serious is it?

• Most cases are mild and recover fully

• Some cases can be severe and life-threatening

Treatment

• Hospital admission

• No oral food initially (pancreas rest)

• IV fluids and pain control

• Treat the cause (stone removal, stop alcohol)

👉 Surgery is usually NOT needed in acute pancreatitis unless there are complications.

2️⃣ Chronic Pancreatitis

What is chronic pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term damage to the pancreas due to repeated inflammation.

Over time, the pancreas becomes hard, scarred, and weak.

Common causes

• Long-term alcohol use

• Genetic causes

• Recurrent acute pancreatitis

Symptoms

• Repeated abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Fatty, loose stools

• Diabetes (due to insulin loss)

What problems occur?

• Poor digestion

• Malnutrition

• Chronic pain

• Diabetes

Treatment

• Stop alcohol completely

• Pain medicines

• Enzyme tablets

• Insulin if needed

👉 Some patients do not improve with medicines and need surgery.

3️⃣ Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis (Stone-forming type)

What is chronic calcific pancreatitis?

This is a severe form of chronic pancreatitis where:

• Stones (calcium deposits) form inside pancreatic ducts

• Ducts become blocked and dilated

• Pressure builds up causing severe pain

Common in tropical countries and long-term alcohol users.

Symptoms

• Severe, continuous abdominal pain

• Pain after meals

• Weight loss

• Diabetes

• Poor quality of life

Why is surgery needed in chronic calcific pancreatitis?

Surgery is advised when:

• Pain is severe and long-lasting

• Medicines no longer work

• Pancreatic duct is blocked by stones

• Repeated hospital admissions

• Complications develop

What does surgery do?

✔ Removes stones
✔ Opens blocked ducts
✔ Reduces pressure inside pancreas
✔ Relieves pain
✔ Improves digestion

Common types of surgery (simple idea)

• Drainage surgery – opens the pancreatic duct

• Removal of diseased part of pancreas

• Combined procedures (drainage + removal)

(Exact surgery depends on patient condition.)

Life after surgery

• Pain relief in most patients

• Better food intake

• Weight gain

• Enzyme tablets may still be needed

• Diabetes may continue but is easier to control

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In Chronic Pancreatitis : 

“Your pancreas has become damaged over time and stones have blocked the ducts. Surgery helps remove the blockage, reduce pressure, and relieve pain.”

To Summarise : 

Acute pancreatitis is sudden and usually treatable with medicines, while chronic and calcific pancreatitis cause long-term damage and may need surgery to control pain and improve life.