Pancreas · Hayat Hospital, Guwahati

Pancreatitis in Guwahati — acute and chronic

When upper tummy pain is an emergency, what causes pancreatitis, how it is treated — including ERCP and EUS — and how to stop it coming back.

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Go to an emergency department now if you have:

  • Severe pain in the upper tummy, often going through to the back, with vomiting
  • Pain with fever, jaundice (yellow eyes), breathlessness or confusion
  • Known pancreatitis with pain that is getting worse, or you cannot keep fluids down

Acute pancreatitis needs hospital care. In Guwahati: Hayat Hospital Emergency, Kahilipara.

What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach that makes digestive juices and insulin. Pancreatitis means it is inflamed. There are two main types:

Acute pancreatitisChronic pancreatitis
What happensSudden inflammation, usually one attackLong-term damage and scarring of the pancreas
Main symptomsSevere upper tummy pain, vomitingRepeated or constant pain, weight loss, oily stools, diabetes
Common causesGallstones, alcohol, very high triglycerides, some medicines, after ERCPAlcohol, smoking, genetic factors; in India, also tropical (calcific) pancreatitis in young people
OutlookMost people recover fully; the cause must be treated to prevent repeat attacksLong-term, but pain, digestion and diabetes can be well controlled

Acute pancreatitis — treatment

  • Hospital care with fluids through a drip, pain relief and close monitoring. Severe attacks may need intensive care.
  • Early eating — most people can start eating again within a day or two, as soon as the pain and vomiting allow.
  • ERCP when a gallstone is stuck in the bile duct with infection (cholangitis) or persisting jaundice.
  • Gallbladder removal (by a surgeon) after a gallstone attack — usually during the same admission for mild attacks — to prevent another one.
  • Stopping alcohol completely, and controlling triglycerides, to prevent repeat attacks.
  • Fluid collections that form after a severe attack often settle on their own; some need drainage through the endoscope or by surgery.

Chronic pancreatitis — treatment

  • Stop alcohol and smoking — the most important steps to slow the damage and reduce pain.
  • Pancreatic enzyme capsules taken with meals, for oily stools, weight loss and poor digestion.
  • Diabetes care, as the pancreas may stop making enough insulin.
  • Pain control, step by step; ERCP for stones or narrowing in the pancreatic duct; surgery for selected patients.
  • Vitamin and bone checks, and a watch for warning signs such as new jaundice or weight loss.

Tests used

  • Blood tests — lipase or amylase, liver tests, calcium and triglycerides
  • Ultrasound to look for gallstones; CT or MRI (MRCP) to see the pancreas and ducts
  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) — a close-up view to find small stones, early chronic pancreatitis or a cause after unexplained attacks, with needle biopsy when needed

Diet

After an acute attack, start with light, low-fat meals and return to a normal balanced diet as you recover. In chronic pancreatitis, small frequent meals help; fat does not usually need to be cut out completely if you take enzyme capsules correctly. No alcohol at all in either type.

Admission, ERCP and EUS are at Hayat Hospital, Kahilipara; follow-up consultations are also available at Apollo Clinic, Ulubari. Consultation ₹1,000; EUS about ₹15,000 (about ₹25,000 with biopsy); ERCP about ₹50,000 for the procedure.

Common questions

Is pancreatitis 100% curable?
Acute pancreatitis usually heals completely once the cause — such as gallstones or alcohol — is dealt with. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition, but its pain, digestion problems and diabetes can be well controlled.
Which doctor treats pancreatitis?
A gastroenterologist manages pancreatitis, including endoscopic treatment with ERCP and EUS. A surgeon is involved for gallbladder removal and for selected cases of chronic pancreatitis.
What is the most effective treatment for pancreatitis?
For an acute attack: hospital care with fluids, pain relief and early feeding, then removing the cause. For chronic pancreatitis: stopping alcohol and smoking, enzyme capsules with meals, diabetes care and treatment of duct stones.
Can pancreatitis come back?
Yes, if the cause continues. Removing the gallbladder after a gallstone attack, stopping alcohol completely and controlling triglycerides greatly reduce the chance of another attack.
What should I eat after pancreatitis?
Light, low-fat meals at first, then a normal balanced diet. Avoid alcohol completely. In chronic pancreatitis, take enzyme capsules with every meal and snack.

Related

ERCPFor gallstones in the bile duct and pancreatic duct stones EUSClose-up scan of the pancreas, with needle biopsy Hayat HospitalAdmission, ERCP and EUS

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mayank Agarwal, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Assam Medical Council Reg. No. 19633 · Last reviewed:

This page gives general information about pancreatitis. It does not replace a consultation — the right tests and treatment depend on your own reports and health. Please do not start or stop any medicine without advice.

Based on:

  1. Tenner S, et al. American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines: Management of Acute Pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024;119:419–437.
  2. Banks PA, et al. Classification of acute pancreatitis — 2012: revision of the Atlanta classification and definitions by international consensus. Gut 2013;62:102–111.
  3. Gardner TB, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Chronic Pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2020;115:322–339.
  4. Löhr JM, et al. United European Gastroenterology evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis (HaPanEU). United European Gastroenterol J 2017;5:153–199.
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