Endoscopic therapy for chronic pancreatitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent data on techniques, efficacy and complications of endoscopic management of chronic pancreatitis.

RECENT FINDINGS: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with or without endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the first-line treatment for large painful obstructive pancreatic duct calculi. Use of preextracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy secretin could result in better stone clearance. The first-line treatment for dominant pancreatic duct strictures is placement of a single 10-Fr polyethylene stent with planned exchanges every 3 months until 1 year. Other endoscopic approaches that have shown good efficacy include placement of simultaneous multiple plastic stents and fully covered self-expanding metallic stents. Endoscopic options to treat chronic pancreatitis-associated benign biliary strictures include single and simultaneous multiple plastic stenting and fully covered self-expanding metallic stents. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy recommends multiple plastic stenting for such strictures, although fully covered self-expanding metallic stents should be currently used under research settings. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided cholangiopancreatography and pancreatobiliary drainage is an evolving option for chronic pancreatitis-related ductal obstruction after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recent data have supported the safety and efficacy of endotherapy for chronic pancreatitis in children.

SUMMARY: Endotherapy is the first line of management in chronic pancreatitis with symptomatic pancreatobiliary ductal obstruction. Further studies are required in certain key areas such as use of fully covered self-expanding metallic stents for pancreatic ductal and biliary strictures and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided pancreatobiliary drainage after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.