Chronic Pancreatitis
Consult Dr. Rajiv Grover, one of the best pancreatitis specialists in Ludhiana, for multidimensional care that prevents future flareups and protects pancreatic function.
What is Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term, progressive condition where repeated inflammation leads to permanent scarring, and the pancreas stop producing insulin and digestive enzymes altogether. Pancreas is a vital organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas is injured or damaged due to chronic causes (alcohol abuse, genetics, metabolic issues), its enzymes activate prematurely. This causes the organ to digest itself, leading to a cycle of inflammation and scarring that eventually results in Pancreatic Insufficiency.
Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
Abdominal pain in the upper right side that radiates to the back/ shoulders
Chronic indigestion/ Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite/ Unintended weight loss
Fatty/ oily, smelly stools (oily film in the toilet)
Diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, hunger, urination)
Back pain
When to See a Doctor for Chronic Pancreatitis?
If you notice any of the following warning signs, you should consult a specialist:
- Persistent, severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Belly pain that worsens after eating
- Fever/ chills/ vomiting/ diarrhoea
- Discolouration/ bruising around the belly button or sides
- Signs of shock (drowsiness, confusion, fainting)
- Oily, foul-smelling stools
Treatment Approach
Dr. Rajiv Grover’s Treatment Approach for Chronic Pancreatitis
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished liver and pancreas specialist in Ludhiana, ensures the multidimensional management of chronic pancreatitis. His priorities are ensuring intensive pain relief and nutritional support, preventing future flareups, and protecting pancreatic function.
Initial Consultation
In the first, deep-dive consultation, the doctor gathers information about the patient’s personal and family medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and nutrition through a two-way conversation, followed by a physical examination to check for tenderness and pain in your belly.
Advanced Diagnosis
The doctor leverages one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis and to pinpoint underlying causes like bile duct stones, obstructions, inflammation, and cancer.
- Blood & glucose tests
- Stool tests
- Pancreatic function tests
- MRI/ CT scan/ Ultrasound
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Tailored Treatment
Dr. Rajiv Grover leverages an individualized, evidence-based methodology to design a treatment plan.
- EUS-Guided Pseudocyst Drainage
- Spyglass Cholangioscopy
- Long-term pain management
- Enzymes to improve digestion
- Clinical nutritional guidance
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery in severe cases
Risks & Complications
What Happens If You Leave Chronic Pancreatitis Untreated?
If left untreated, chronic pancreatitis causes serious complications.
Malabsorption and malnutrition
Increased risk of pancreatic cancer
Pseudocyst infection & bleeding
Diabetes
Organ failure
Why Choose Us?
The Grover Edge
01
World-Class Medical Protocols
Dr. Rajiv Grover adopts international standards of care modelled after leading medical institutes to ensure lasting relief.
02
Science-Backed Methodology
Each treatment plan is evidence-based and rooted in the latest clinical research for improved patient outcomes.
03
Ethical, Compassionate Approach
Our approach incorporates two-way communication, empathy & transparency for improved patient experiences.
04
Advanced Techniques & Treatments
We leverage the latest best practices, advanced techniques and high-end technology for greater accuracy & comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acute pancreatitis is a temporary condition that happens as the pancreas heals from a minor/ short-term injury. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term, progressive condition where repeated inflammation leads to permanent scarring, and the pancreas stop producing insulin and digestive enzymes altogether.
Oily stools (steatorrhea) occur because your pancreas is no longer producing enough lipase (the enzyme that breaks down fat). This causes undigested fats to pass through your system, leading to foul-smelling stools that may have an oily film.
Chronic pancreatitis is preventable if the underlying causes are preventable. However, you can reduce the risk of pancreatitis by adopting the following preventative measures:
- Reducing the risk of gallstones
- Quitting smoking and drinking
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Reviewing medications that increase the risk
Yes, but it requires lifelong enzyme replacement and insulin therapy. Dr. Rajiv Grover’s goal is always pancreatic preservation using advanced interventions to save as much healthy tissue as possible.
While many patients associate chronic pancreatitis solely with alcohol, smoking is a powerful and independent risk factor for the disease. Smoking accelerates the calcification (hardening) of the pancreas and significantly increases the speed at which the disease progresses toward total organ failure.
Most importantly, smokers with chronic pancreatitis have a much higher risk of developing Pancreatic Cancer. By quitting, you aren’t just managing symptoms; you are actively protecting yourself against the most severe complications of the condition.
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Ludhiana, ensures the multidimensional management of chronic pancreatitis. His priorities are ensuring intensive pain relief and nutritional support, preventing future flareups, and protecting pancreatic function.
The doctor leverages advanced diagnostic tests (including ERCP and EUS) to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint underlying causes like bile duct stones, obstructions, inflammation, and cancer. He leverages an individualized, evidence-based methodology to design a treatment plan.
- EUS-Guided Pseudocyst Drainage
- Spyglass Cholangioscopy
- Long-term pain management
- Enzymes to improve digestion
- Clinical nutritional guidance
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery in severe cases