Targeted endoscopic approaches offer symptom relief in chronic pancreatitis but surgery is preferred for long-term outcomes.
- Endoscopy is effective for small pancreatic duct stones; larger stones require extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or pancreatoscopy.
- Main pancreatic duct strictures should be treated with dilation and single large-caliber plastic stents; avoid fully covered metal stents due to higher risks.
Surgery remains the gold standard for durable pain control and improved quality of life in select patients.
- Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block provides short-term pain relief for refractory cases.
Review by Prado R, Chatterjee A (…) Chahal P et 12 al. in Dig Dis Sci
© 2026. The Author(s).
