Practical guide to the management of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis remains significantly under-diagnosed, with clinical prevalence often failing to reflect the higher rates observed in post-mortem studies. Effective management requires gastroenterologists to take ownership of the condition, moving beyond standard ultrasound—which is frequently obscured by gastric air—toward CT scans or endoscopic ultrasound for accurate diagnosis. Early identification of exocrine insufficiency, particularly in patients with unexplained changes in bowel habits, is critical. Because the pancreas sits at the intersection of multiple specialties, a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, dietitians, and physicians is essential to navigate complex issues like nutritional support, surgical intervention, and the management of type 3c diabetes. Primary care providers play a vital role in long-term follow-up and symptom monitoring, utilizing structured care bundles to ensure timely re-referral when complications arise or when patients require specialized intervention.