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Pancreatitis Treatment

Options for pancreatitis treatment include medications, surgery, and diet and lifestyle changes. The appropriate treatment option will depend on factors such as the type of pancreatitis, symptoms, and complications. While pain medications are often used in pancreatitis treatment, insulin or other drugs may be needed to control blood glucose levels. If acute pancreatitis is caused by a gallstone, surgery may be necessary. In severe cases, pancreatitis treatment may also involve intravenous (IV) feeding for three to six weeks while the pancreas slowly heals.

 

An Introduction to Pancreatitis Treatment

Treatment options for pancreatitis depend on a number of factors. These factors include:
 
Depending on the factors above, pancreatitis treatment options may include:
 
  • Medications
  • Surgery
  • Diet and lifestyle changes.
     
As part of acute pancreatitis treatment, a hospital stay will be necessary so that fluids can be replaced through an intravenous line (IV). People with chronic pancreatitis symptoms may not need to stay in the hospital unless they have complications.
 
Medications as Pancreatitis Treatment
Pain medicines may be given as pancreatitis treatment to control pain. Sometimes insulin or other drugs are needed to control blood glucose.
 
Surgery as Pancreatitis Treatment
If acute pancreatitis is being caused by a gallstone, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallstone and gallbladder (cholecystectomy). A gallstone may also be removed through a procedure called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
 
If pancreatic pseudocysts occur and are considered large enough to interfere with the healing of the pancreas, the doctor may drain or surgically remove them.
 
For chronic pancreatitis treatment in some cases, surgery is needed to relieve pain. The surgery may involve draining an enlarged pancreatic duct or removing part of the pancreas.
(Pancreatitis Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD