Expert Care for Long-Term Pancreatic Health

What Are Pancreatic Stones?

Pancreatic stones are hard deposits that form within the ducts of the pancreas, often as a result of chronic inflammation or damage caused by conditions such as chronic pancreatitis. These stones can block the pancreatic ducts, impairing the flow of digestive enzymes and leading to severe pain, digestive problems, and other complications.

At Central Gastro, we specialize in the advanced diagnosis and management of pancreatic stones, offering effective treatments to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

Causes of Pancreatic Stones

Pancreatic stones typically form in individuals with chronic pancreatic conditions, including:

• Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation leading to the buildup of calcified material in the ducts.
• Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or prolonged alcohol use, a leading cause of chronic pancreatitis.
• Genetic Factors: Hereditary pancreatitis or genetic mutations such as PRSS1 or SPINK1.
• Gallstones: Stones in the gallbladder that obstruct the pancreatic duct.
• Idiopathic Causes: Unknown reasons in some cases.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Stones

The presence of pancreatic stones can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Severe, recurrent abdominal pain, often radiating to the back.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty digesting fatty foods.
• Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools).
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if the stones obstruct the bile duct.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.

Complications of Pancreatic Stones

Untreated pancreatic stones can lead to:

• Pancreatic Duct Blockage: Resulting in pain and impaired pancreatic function.
• Pancreatic Infections: Increased risk of abscesses or pseudocysts.
• Pancreatic Insufficiency: Inability to produce digestive enzymes, causing malnutrition.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Due to damage to insulin-producing cells.
• Chronic Pain: Severe, persistent pain that affects quality of life.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Stones

At Central Gastro, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify and evaluate pancreatic stones:

1. Imaging Studies:

• Ultrasound: Initial imaging to detect stones and assess pancreatic structure.
• CT Scan: Provides detailed images to locate stones and evaluate their size and impact.
• MRI/MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): Non-invasive imaging of the pancreatic and bile ducts.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): High-resolution imaging to detect small stones and assess pancreatic damage. 

2. Endoscopic Diagnostics:

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Combines imaging and treatment to identify and remove stones. 

Treatment Options for Pancreatic Stones

At Central Gastro, we offer a range of advanced treatment options to manage pancreatic stones effectively:

1. Endoscopic Treatments

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography):
  • Used to remove stones from the pancreatic ducts.
  • Stents may be placed to ensure ductal patency.
• Endoscopic Lithotripsy: 
  • Uses high-frequency waves to break stones into smaller pieces for easier removal.

2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

• Non-invasive technique using shock waves to fragment large stones into smaller pieces that can pass naturally or be removed endoscopically.

3. Surgical Treatments

• Pancreaticojejunostomy (Puestow Procedure): 
  • Surgery to bypass blocked ducts and improve enzyme flow.
• Resection Surgery: Removal of severely damaged portions of the pancreas.

4. Pain Management

• Medications or nerve blocks to alleviate chronic pain associated with pancreatic stones.

5. Nutritional Support

• Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT): To aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Dietary Modifications: Low-fat diet to reduce pancreatic strain.