Clinical Profile and Management of Chronic Pancreatitis in Tertiary Care Centre

Background Constant inflammation and irreversible pancreatic tissue destruction are hallmarks of the disease of chronic pancreatitis (CP), which results in the decrease of both exocrine and endocrine function over time. It is a multifactorial disease, with a wide range of symptoms and geographic variation. Aim Aim of this study is to study clinical profile and management of CP with respect to demography, clinical findings, lab parameters, imaging investigations and management modalities. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted which included the patients admitted to the tertiary care center presenting with the clinical diagnosis of CP. The study was conducted over a period of 2-years from November 2019 to October 2021. A total sample size of 71 patients was included. Results In the study, it was observed that the majority of patients were in the age group of 51-60-years (47.89%) followed by 41-50-years (21.12%) mean age ranges from 56.54±12.63-years. The majority of patients were male (76.06%) and females were 23.94%. The distribution of patients according to aetiology showed that the majority of patients had aetiology of alcoholism (43.66%) followed by idiopathic (29.57%) Gall/Biliary stones (21.12%) and post-operative (5.63%). Majority of patients presented with pain in the abdomen (85.92%). The distribution of patients according to ultrasound sonography test (USG) findings showed that majority of patients shows pancreatic calcification (54.93%) followed by pancreatic pseudocyst (32.39%) and gall stones (19.72%). The distribution of patients according to computed tomography (CT) findings showed that majority of patients shows pancreatic calcification (70.42%). In the present study, it was observed that majority of patients were managed conservatively (43.66%) followed by cystogastrostomy (18.31%) and cystojejunostomy (8.45%). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was done among 14 (19.72%) patients. Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy was done in 6 (8.45%) patients and pancreaticoduodenectomy (Classical Whipple’s) was done in 4 patients (5.63%). The distribution of patients according to pain relief by various management showed that majority of getting relief from pain by surgery (69.23%) followed by ERCP (35.71%) and the least by conservative/analgesics (6.45%). Conclusion Chronic pancreatitis is progressive inflammatory disease. Alcoholic pancreatitis being most common etiology. Pain is most common presenting symptom. CT scan abdomen most useful in confirming diagnosis in our set up. Pseudocyst being common complication seen. Surgery gives relief of pain in most of the cases. The key to a better outcome is making the right decisions in terms of diagnosis, patient selection for surgery, and surgical type.