Chronic Pancreatitis
Expert care for long-term pancreatic inflammation and its complications
Understanding Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that leads to permanent damage. Unlike acute attacks, which are sudden and severe, chronic pancreatitis develops slowly and can last for years, gradually reducing the pancreas’s ability to function. Over time, it affects both digestion and blood sugar control.
Because it worsens gradually, symptoms may at first be mild and ignored. However, without timely care, it can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition and diabetes.
- The pancreas becomes less able to produce enzymes and insulin.
- Long-standing inflammation can lead to lasting and serious damage.
When Should You Seek A Specialist
Symptoms Of Chronic Pancreatitis
Persistent Abdominal
pain
Ongoing pain in the upper or middle abdomen, often radiating to the back.
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
A liver lesion may block bile ducts, leading to yellow discoloration and itching.
Unexplained Weight
loss
Unintentional but significant weight loss even without trying.
Frequent digestive issues
Bloating, indigestion, and nausea that don’t improve with simple remedies.
New or worsening diabetes
Sudden diabetes diagnosis in older adults without a family history or becomes harder to control over time.
History of heavy alcohol use or gallstones
Known risk factors that increase chances of pancreatitis.
Common Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis
Several factors can contribute to long-term pancreatic inflammation:
Alcohol consumption
Heavy, prolonged drinking is the leading cause, directly damaging pancreatic tissue.
Autoimmune pancreatitis
A rare condition where the immune system attacks the pancreas itself, causing lasting inflammation
Genetic mutation
Certain inherited conditions can make some people more prone to recurrent or chronic pancreatitis.
Gallstones and bile duct issues
These block the normal flow of digestive juices, putting strain on the pancreas.
Repeated acute pancreatitis attacks
Multiple acute episodes over time can lead to chronic, irreversible damage.
How We Diagnose?
Understanding alcohol use, family history, and symptoms helps identify risk.
Provide clear pictures of the pancreas, revealing damage, calcification, or duct changes.
Allow close visualization and, if needed, tissue sampling for detailed evaluation.
Check pancreatic enzyme levels and fat absorption to assess functional loss.
Personalized treatments backed by expertise.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle and dietary changes
Stopping alcohol, quitting smoking, and eating a low-fat, balanced diet to reduce strain.
Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Pancreatic enzyme supplements help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Diabetes Management
Regular monitoring and insulin if pancreatic damage affects blood sugar control.
Surgical Options
In select cases, procedures like Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or drainage surgeries may be required to relieve blockages or persistent pain.
Why Trust Us for Chronic Pancreatitis
Combined expertise of two leading liver surgeons
Dr. Vikas Patel has been part of more than 600 liver transplants, while Dr. Dharmendra Dangi has been part of over 500 liver transplants and performed 500+ complex liver and HPB surgeries. Together, they bring unmatched skill to even the toughest cases.
Experience with high-risk and pediatric cases
From critically ill adults to children needing delicate surgery, our team has successfully managed some of the most challenging and rare liver conditions. Both doctors are trained to manage challenging cases, including liver failure in children, elderly patients, and blood group mismatches.
Proven results using advanced techniques
We use the latest surgical and medical methods including minimally invasive procedures to ensure safer operations, faster recovery, and long-term success. Dr. Dangi is one of the few surgeons in India performing midline donor hepatectomy, a safer way to remove part of the liver from a living donor.
Nationally recognized for excellence
Our surgeons are trusted across India for their leadership in liver surgery. Their work has been featured in medical journals, presented at national conferences, and acknowledged in health magazines such as Silicon India (Top 10 Liver Transplant Surgeons, 2025).
OUR APPROACH
Accurate Diagnosis
using advanced imaging and testing
Personalized Treatment Plans
based on your stage and condition
Complete Pre & Post Transplant Support
when surgery is needed
A Multidisciplinary Team
Both surgeons jointly plan and perform procedures to ensure the best outcomes.
FAQ
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
Your concerns are valid. Here are expert answers to help you make confident decisions about your liver health.
Acute pancreatitis is sudden and short-term, while chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation that causes permanent damage.
There is no complete cure, but proper treatment can control symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
A low-fat diet, smaller frequent meals, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking are strongly advised.
Yes, though rare, genetic or structural issues can cause it in children.
The pancreas produces fewer enzymes, leading to poor absorption of fats and nutrients, causing oily stools and weight loss.
Yes, long-standing pancreatitis slightly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, so regular follow-ups are important.
Not always. Surgery is considered if pain, obstruction, or complications don’t improve with medical treatment.
Take the First step to a
Expert Care for Chronic Pancreatitis
Living with chronic pancreatitis can be exhausting due to pain, poor digestion, and frequent health issues. But with the right treatment, you can manage symptoms, prevent complications, and live a healthier, fuller life.
Talk to Ahmedabad’s Trusted Liver Experts
At our liver transplant and HPB surgery care center, Dr. Vikas Patel and Dr. Dharmendra Dangi bring together years of expertise in liver and pancreas care. With advanced diagnostic tools, medical therapies, and surgical options, we provide complete care suited to your needs.