Multiple stones in the pancreas

– Swollen pancreatic duct due to stones

– Problem resolved through Frey’s Procedure by KIMS doctors

Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis is a very rare condition in children, characterized by the formation of stones in the pancreas over a prolonged period. In South India, it is seen in only about 126 children per 1 lakh population just 0.126%.

A 10-year-old boy named Rithik, suffering from severe abdominal pain, fever, and other symptoms due to this rare condition, underwent a successful surgery at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool. The surgical team, led by Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr. S. J. Janakiram and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. M. Sreekanth Babu, performed the Frey’s Procedure to relieve his condition.

“Rithik had been suffering from this problem since the age of five. It is a progressive disease that gradually worsens over time, leading to the formation of numerous stones in the pancreas, especially in the head region. Normally, the pancreatic head is larger than the body and tail portions. The pancreas plays a vital role in producing insulin and aiding digestion.

In his case, the stones had been present for nearly five years, causing repeated episodes of severe abdominal pain. His parents had been taking him to local hospitals for treatment. Eventually, doctors advised them to go to Hyderabad for further care. However, upon learning about the facilities at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, they brought him here.

We first conducted an MRI to thoroughly assess his condition and decided that Frey’s Procedure was the only effective surgical option. Since the patient was only 10 years old, we involved Pediatric Surgeon Dr. M. Sreekanth Babu. Together, we opened the pancreas, removed all the stones, and also excised some affected tissue. The stones had caused significant swelling in the pancreatic duct, which returned to normal size after stone removal. A small section of the intestine was also resected and then surgically joined to the pancreas.

This surgery will completely relieve his abdominal pain. However, because the pancreas will not function normally as before, there is a higher risk of developing diabetes in the future. He may also experience oil droplets in the stool (oil stools) after consuming fatty foods, for which we have prescribed medication. This is a chronic condition and cannot be fully cured, but removing the stones ensures that his pain will be completely eliminated. We have explained all these aspects and the necessary precautions to his parents,” said Dr. Janakiram and Dr. Sreekanth Babu.

Such complex cases usually require treatment in major cities like Hyderabad or Bengaluru. Now, with multi-specialty expertise and advanced facilities available at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, people in the Rayalaseema region can access this level of care locally.