Managing Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Dr. Tushar Madake provides expert care for pancreatitis, focusing on rapid intervention for acute attacks and long-term management strategies for chronic disease to relieve pain and preserve pancreatic function.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones. In acute pancreatitis, enzymes become activated prematurely, causing the pancreas to digest itself, leading to severe abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition resulting from repeated inflammation, causing permanent damage and loss of function.
Common Causes
- Gallstones: The most common cause of acute pancreatitis.
- Chronic Alcohol Use: The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis.
- High triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia)
- Certain medications
- Genetic factors and autoimmune conditions
Symptoms
- Acute: Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever.
- Chronic: Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea), weight loss, new-onset diabetes.
Dr. Madake's Comprehensive Pancreatitis Care
Our approach encompasses both acute management and chronic disease optimization.
- Acute Pancreatitis Management: We focus on supportive care including IV fluids, pain control, and nutritional support (often requiring a temporary bowel rest). We also identify and treat the underlying cause, such as performing ERCP to remove a gallstone blocking the pancreatic duct.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Dr. Madake is highly skilled in ERCP, a specialized endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. This is crucial for removing gallstones, placing stents, and relieving obstructions.
- Chronic Pancreatitis Management:
- Pain Management: We utilize a combination of medications, nerve blocks (endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block), and endoscopic therapies to manage chronic pain.
- Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT): For patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (inability to digest food), we prescribe pancreatic enzymes to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Diabetes Management: We help manage diabetes that may result from damage to the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Lifestyle Modifications: We provide strong support for alcohol cessation and dietary counseling (low-fat diet).
Dr. Madake's expertise in pancreatic diseases ensures that patients receive advanced, coordinated care to manage this complex condition.