Hindupur student’s pancreas filled with stones; successfully treated at KIMS

Anantapur: A 23-year-old student from Hindupur, whose pancreas was filled with stones due to chronic calcific pancreatitis, underwent successful surgery at KIMS Saveera Hospital.

The man had been experiencing severe abdominal pain for six months before he approached the doctors for treatment.

Persistent pain and diagnosis

The young man had sought treatment elsewhere but did not find relief despite taking medication. At KIMS Saveera, doctors confirmed that his pancreas was filled with stones, a condition known as chronic calcific pancreatitis. If left untreated, this condition could have been life-threatening.

Complex surgery performed

Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr N Mahammad Shahid led the procedure and successfully removed all the stones. “Due to the pancreas’ location and its delicate structure, such procedures are extremely challenging. Suturing the pancreas is also a difficult task, as any leakage can pose a significant risk to other organs,” Dr Shahid explained.

Following the surgery, the patient recovered without complications and was discharged on the seventh day. “Fortunately, this patient faced no complications during surgery, and we were able to discharge him on the seventh day after the procedure,” Dr Shahid added.

Understanding chronic calcific pancreatitis

Dr Shahid noted that chronic calcific pancreatitis is more common in men aged 30-40, accounting for 50 per cent of cases. He further explained, “Among those diagnosed, 25-80 per cent develop Type 3c diabetes, which affects blood sugar regulation and digestive enzyme production. Stones in the pancreas form over time within pancreatic tissues and obstruct pancreatic ducts, leading to severe pain and improper digestion.”

As the condition progresses, pancreatic function deteriorates, causing nutritional deficiencies and metabolic issues. In 85 per cent of cases, the pancreas loses more than 90 per cent of its function, potentially leading to complete pancreatic dysfunction.

Causes and symptoms

Pancreatic stones can develop due to several factors, including the following:

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Cancer

• Genetic factors

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus

• High calcium levels in the blood

• High blood lipid levels

• Chemotherapy or traumatic injuries

The condition often leads to fatty stools, significant weight loss, and, in severe cases, Type 3c diabetes due to the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin.

Treatment options

Treatment varies based on the severity of the condition. “The primary approach includes lifestyle modifications, pain management, pancreatic enzyme supplements and insulin therapy when necessary,” Dr Shahid said.

In some cases, endoscopic procedures are used to remove stones or insert stents. However, when stones are large or numerous, surgery becomes essential. “Since pancreatic surgery is highly complex, it is performed only when necessary,” Dr Shahid noted.