Suffering from severe abdominal pain for six months

No relief despite medication

Complex surgery successfully performed at KIMS Saveera

Surgeons remove all stones

A 23-year-old student from Hindupur had been suffering from severe abdominal pain for the past six months. After seeking treatment elsewhere, he was diagnosed with chronic calcific pancreatitis (pancreas filled with stones). Despite undergoing medication, he found no relief and approached KIMS Saveera Hospital.

At KIMS Saveera, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist Dr. N. Mahammad Shahid performed a highly complex surgery 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. If left untreated, this condition could have been life-threatening.

Understanding Chronic Calcific PancreatitisDr. Shahid explained that this condition is more commonly seen in men aged 30-40 and is found in 50% of such cases. Among those diagnosed, 25-80% 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 time passes, the condition worsens, impairing pancreatic function. Since the pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation, its dysfunction results in severe nutritional deficiencies and other complications.

Causes of Pancreatic Stones: Excessive alcohol consumption, Cancer, stones, or traumatic injuries, Genetic factors, Chemotherapy, Autoimmune diseases like lupus, High calcium levels in the blood, High blood lipid levels

Symptoms: Pancreatic stones lead to various symptoms, affecting both digestive functions and metabolism. Patients may experience fatty stools, significant weight loss, and, in severe cases, complete pancreatic dysfunction. In 85% of cases, the pancreas loses more than 90% of its function. Additionally, the inability to produce insulin results in Type 3c diabetes.

Treatment Approaches: The primary approach includes lifestyle modifications, pain management, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and insulin therapy when necessary. 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.

“Fortunately, this patient faced no complications during surgery, and we were able to discharge him on the seventh day after the procedure,” Dr. Shahid stated.