Endoscopic Therapy in Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Over the last few years, the role of endoscopic sphincterotomy and gallstone removal in severe acute pancreatitis has been well established. However, the role of a variety of endoscopic manoeuvres in chronic pancreatitis is far less well established. There are indeed many endoscopic techniques which could be used in the non-surgical management of this condition. These include sphincterotomy, dilatation, stent insertion, drainage tube insertion and pancreatic stone removal or lithotripsy. Although these techniques are technically possible and represent enormous challenges for the endoscopist, the clinician must question whether they are actually helpful for the patient.