Chronic Pancreatitis: A Complete Guide by Dr Vivek Mangla | Advanced Pancreas Care in Delhi NCR

25 Nov, 2025

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting condition that quietly wears down the pancreas. Many people mistake it for simple acidity or recurring stomach discomfort until the pain becomes severe enough to disturb daily life.

To help patients and families understand this illness correctly, Dr Vivek Mangla, one of Delhi NCR’s leading GI and HPB surgeons, explains what happens inside the pancreas, why the disease develops and how timely treatment can restore long-term comfort.

Understanding the Pancreas and Its Role

The pancreas is a small but powerful gland placed deep in the upper abdomen. It performs two essential jobs:

• It produces digestive enzymes that help break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates
• It maintains blood sugar levels through hormones like insulin and glucagon

When the pancreas repeatedly becomes inflamed, the tissue begins to harden, its ducts start narrowing and calcium may deposit inside the pancreas or its duct. These permanent changes define chronic pancreatitis.

How Chronic Pancreatitis Develops

Unlike an acute episode, chronic pancreatitis builds up slowly. Over months or years, the pancreas experiences repeated bouts of inflammation that gradually cause:

• Scar tissue (fibrosis) replacing healthy cells
• Stone formation or hard calcium deposits
• Blockage or swelling of the main pancreatic duct
• Weakening of enzyme and hormone production

Once these features appear on CT scan, MRI or EUS, the condition is officially identified as chronic pancreatitis.

Common Early Signs Patients Notice

Recurring Abdominal Pain

Most patients feel pain in the upper abdomen that often reaches the back. Its pattern can be unpredictable: some days mild, some days intense enough to require injectable pain killers or sometimes hospital admission.

Digestive Difficulties

Because the pancreas becomes less efficient at making enzymes, patients may experience:

• Bloating
• Oily or loose stools
• Poor appetite
• Unintended weight loss

Changes in Blood Sugar

As insulin-producing cells get damaged, blood sugar levels may increase, and diabetes may gradually develop.

Why Does Chronic Pancreatitis Occur?

Alcohol and Tobacco: The Biggest Triggers

Dr. Vivek Mangla stresses that both alcohol and tobacco are major contributors. Even moderate or occasional use can accelerate pancreatic injury. Smoking is increasingly recognised worldwide as a direct cause of pancreatic disease.

Genetic and Metabolic Factors

Some individuals carry genetic tendencies or metabolic conditions such as high triglycerides that make their pancreas more vulnerable.

After Repeated Acute Attacks

People who have had multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis may slowly transition to the chronic form.

Lifestyle Changes That Protect the Pancreas

Managing chronic pancreatitis requires active lifestyle modifications:

• Completely avoid alcohol and all forms of tobacco
• Reduce deep-fried or high-fat foods
• Shift from heavy meals to small, frequent meals
• Maintain a balanced diet with adequate hydration
• Ensure timely meals to avoid stressing the pancreas

These small habits often help reduce pain and support long-term digestion.

Medical Management: What Helps Patients Most

Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and compensating for the pancreas’ reduced function.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Tablets containing pancreatic enzymes assist digestion and reduce discomfort after meals.

Antioxidant Support

Specific antioxidant combinations are often prescribed to reduce ongoing inflammation within the gland.

Pain Control

Pain patterns differ from person to person, and treatment is tailored depending on whether the pain arises from duct blockage, nerve irritation or inflammation.

Role of Endoscopic Procedures

Endoscopic therapy can be beneficial when stones block the main pancreatic duct or cause swelling. Through advanced endoscopy, doctors can:

• Insert stents
• Relieve obstruction
• Remove selected stones
• Improve pancreatic drainage

However, modern international guidelines suggest reserving endoscopy for select cases rather than using it as the first line of treatment.

When Surgery Provides Better Results

Recent global recommendations highlight that early surgery often leads to better pain control and long-term outcomes for people with chronic pancreatitis who have:

• Persistent pain
• Dilated main pancreatic duct
• Stones in the duct
• Poor relief with medicines or endoscopy
• Declining quality of life

Dr. Vivek Mangla performs specialised procedures such as Frey’s procedure, Lateral Pancreatojejunostomy (LPJ)** and minimally invasive pancreatic surgeries using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. These procedures aim to:

• Remove stones
• Decompress the pancreatic duct
• Preserve functioning pancreatic tissue
• Provide lasting pain relief

With advanced technology at his Elevate clinic in Delhi NCR, patients benefit from precise, safer surgeries and improved recovery.

Why Patients Choose Dr Vivek Mangla for Chronic Pancreatitis Treatment

• Renowned GI, HPB and pancreatic surgeon with extensive experience
• Expertise in complex pancreatic and biliary procedures
• Skilled in robotic and laparoscopic pancreas surgery
• Evidence-based treatment aligned with international standards
• Comprehensive approach including diet guidance, medical therapy and post-surgery care
• Clear communication to help families make informed decisions

When You Should Seek Specialist Care

Consult a pancreas specialist if you face:

• Constant or recurring upper abdominal pain
• Pain spreading to the back
• Sudden weight loss
• Difficulty digesting meals
• Early onset or unexplained diabetes
• CT/MRI findings of ductal stones or dilatation
• History of alcohol or smoking with abdominal symptoms

Managing the disease early can prevent long-term complications and preserve pancreatic function.

Need Guidance or Treatment?

If you or your loved one is dealing with chronic pancreatitis, you can reach Dr Vivek Mangla’s team through the contact number provided on the clinic website. Early evaluation and timely intervention can significantly improve your quality of life.