Chronic pancreatitis:

The pancreas is an obscure organ that most people never even think about for most of their lives. It lies deep within the abdomen and regulates such vital functions as the control of blood sugar and the digestion of fat-containing foods. At other times, the pancreas may become diseased and affected by cancer, inflammation, gallstones, alcohol, or other medical or recreational drugs. Medical or surgical therapy directed at the underlying problem provides relief for many patients, but for others, chronic, debilitating pain continues to be a problem. Accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal patient management, and may require further evaluation and special tests by a gastroenterologist. After detailed evaluation, many patients are diagnosed with chronic “inflammation” of the pancreas, also known as chronic pancreatitis. After other treatments have failed the interventional pain management specialist may be consulted to help develop a treatment plan that will help to reduce severe pain and improve quality of life. For some patients, adjustment of narcotic drugs in concert with the family doctor, vitamin supplementation, and adherence to a fat-restricted diet will prove to be effective. For other patients, advanced nerve block procedures such as abdominal “celiac plexus” nerve block, or intraspinal drug therapy using a surgically implanted pain pump may bring significant relief of pain symptoms for extended periods.

State and Federal laws regulating the prescribing of controlled substances have been dramatically changed to allow the appropriate medical use of potent pain relieving drugs by physicians for patients who need them. There are well defined responsibilities and legal requirements for patients and physicians who elect this form of patient management, that exist for the protection of patients, physicians, and the public. Patients using long term, high dose narcotic pain medications will be required to maintain stable relationships with a specific physician or physicians, a specific pharmacy, and to enter into agreements with the physician that define specific clinic policies concerning these medications, including random drug testing. Failure to adhere to any of these rules will result in the termination of narcotic drug therapy. When used appropriately, modern pain management techniques and drugs have helped to improve the treatment and outcomes for patients living with the pain of chronic pancreatitis. If you or a family member suffer from this problem, schedule an appointment to discuss available treatment options with a member of our clinical staff.

Foothils Regional Pain Center utilizes advanced devices supplied by Medtronic. For more information on these pain management devices follow this link.

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