Pancreatitis (Acute & Chronic) — Symptoms & Treatment in Lucknow
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. It can come on suddenly (acute pancreatitis), often triggered by gallstones or alcohol, or smoulder over years (chronic pancreatitis). Most acute attacks settle with supportive treatment, but some patients develop complications, or chronic disease, that need specialist surgical care.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma manages pancreatitis and its complications in Lucknow at Medanta, within a fully supported hepatopancreatobiliary programme.
What is pancreatitis?
In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes suddenly inflamed; most cases are mild and recover with treatment, though a minority are severe and need intensive care. In chronic pancreatitis, repeated or ongoing inflammation gradually damages the pancreas, causing long-term pain and, over time, problems with digestion and blood-sugar control.
Because the commonest trigger for acute pancreatitis is gallstones, treating the gallbladder is often a key part of preventing further attacks.
Symptoms to watch for
- Severe upper-abdominal pain, often spreading to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain that may ease leaning forward
- In chronic disease: long-term pain, weight loss and oily, loose stools
- Fever or feeling very unwell in severe attacks
Causes & risk factors
- Gallstones (the commonest cause of acute pancreatitis)
- Alcohol
- High blood triglycerides
- Certain medicines and, occasionally, after procedures such as ERCP
- Sometimes no identifiable cause
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests (raised amylase or lipase)
- Ultrasound to look for gallstones
- CT or MRI/MRCP to assess severity and complications
- Tests to identify the underlying cause
How pancreatitis is treated
Acute pancreatitis is treated supportively — with fluids, pain relief and careful monitoring — and most patients recover. If gallstones are the cause, the gallbladder is removed to prevent further attacks. Severe pancreatitis and its complications (such as infected collections of fluid) may need procedures or surgery within an intensive-care setting.
Chronic pancreatitis is managed with pain control, enzyme and nutritional support, and treatment of diabetes; surgery or endoscopic procedures are used in selected patients for pain or complications such as a blocked duct. Dr Verma tailors treatment to the type and cause of pancreatitis.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Severe, persistent upper-abdominal pain — seek urgent care
- Known gallstones with an attack of pancreatitis
- Long-term upper-abdominal pain with weight loss or oily stools
Pancreatitis: common questions
Does pancreatitis need surgery?
Most acute attacks of pancreatitis settle with supportive medical treatment, not surgery. However, if gallstones are the cause, the gallbladder is removed to prevent further attacks, and severe complications or chronic pancreatitis may need procedures or surgery in selected patients. The right approach depends on the cause and severity.
Can pancreatitis come back?
Yes, if the underlying cause is not addressed. When gallstones are responsible, removing the gallbladder greatly reduces the risk of further attacks. Avoiding alcohol and treating other causes is equally important. Identifying and treating the cause is central to preventing recurrence.
Concerned about pancreatitis?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.