Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation is an immune system response that leads to swelling, pain, and changes in how organs or tissues function.
The pancreas is a long, flat gland located behind the stomach. It helps the body digest food and regulate blood sugar levels.
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Causes of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is divided into two types: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and usually lasts a short time, while chronic pancreatitis is long-term and can cause worsening damage to the pancreas over time.
Causes of acute pancreatitis include:
- Blockage of the bile duct by gallstones
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medications
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- High calcium levels in the blood
- Pancreatic cancer
- Trauma or surgical injury
Causes of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Inherited genes associated with pancreatitis
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- High calcium levels in the blood
Sometimes, the cause of pancreatitis is unknown—this is called idiopathic pancreatitis.
Risk Factors for Pancreatitis
Several factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, such as:
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Studies show that drinking 4–5 alcoholic beverages a day increases the risk.
- Smoking: Smokers are about three times more likely to develop chronic pancreatitis. Quitting smoking reduces this risk.
- Obesity: A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher increases the risk.
- Diabetes: Having diabetes raises the likelihood of developing pancreatitis.
- Family history: A family history of pancreatitis, especially combined with other risk factors, increases the risk.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Pain that radiates to the back
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Pain that worsens after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Oily, foul-smelling stools
Some people with chronic pancreatitis don’t experience symptoms until complications occur.
Treatment for Pancreatitis
There are no specific medications to cure pancreatitis. Treatment begins with hospitalization to manage symptoms and complications. This may include pain medication, IV fluids, and nutritional support.
Once the symptoms and complications are controlled, further treatment may focus on the underlying cause of the pancreatitis, including:
1. Procedures to Open the Bile Duct
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to locate and remove gallstones. A long tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and digestive system into the bile duct. Small tools are passed through the tube to remove the stones and clean the duct.
2. Gallbladder Surgery
If gallstones are the cause, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) may be recommended.
3. Draining Fluid from the Pancreas
Endoscopic procedures using a camera and special tools can be used to drain fluid or remove damaged tissue from the pancreas.
4. Treatment for Alcohol Dependence
If alcohol is the cause, the doctor may recommend a program to address alcohol addiction, since continued drinking can worsen pancreatitis and lead to serious complications.
5. Changing Medications
If a certain medication caused pancreatitis, the doctor will work with the patient to find an alternative that doesn’t trigger the condition.
Recommended Pancreatitis Specialists at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a team of experienced specialists for treating pancreatitis, including:
1. dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH
dr. Hendra Koncoro is an internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology and hepatology. He treats various digestive and liver disorders, including liver cancer, gallstones, fatty liver, liver nodules, cirrhosis, and bile duct cancer.
He is also experienced in non-surgical gallstone removal via endoscopy (ERCP).
Schedule:
- Wednesday: 10:30 – 12:30 WIB
- Saturday: 10:30 – 12:30 WIB
2. dr. Hendra Nurjadin, Sp.PD-KGEH
dr. Hendra Nurjadin is a gastroenterology and hepatology consultant who treats conditions such as hepatitis, acid reflux, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal infections, tumors, and cancers in the digestive tract.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 15:00 – 17:00 WIB
- Thursday: 15:00 – 17:00 WIB
3. dr. Epistel Pangujian Simatupang, Sp.PD-KGEH
dr. Epistel Pangujian Simatupang is an internal medicine doctor with a gastroenterology and hepatology subspecialty. He is skilled in endoscopic procedures including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and esophagoscopy.
Schedule:
- Monday: 18:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Wednesday: 18:00 – 20:00 WIB
- Friday: 10:30 – 12:30 WIB
4. Prof. Dr. dr. Toar Jean Maurice Lalisang, Sp.B. Subsp.BD (K)
Prof. Dr. Toar Jean Maurice Lalisang is a highly experienced digestive surgery specialist and a member of the Indonesian Society of Digestive Surgeons (IKABDI). He is recognized as an expert in gastrointestinal surgery and liver transplantation, including liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver tumors.
Schedule:
- Tuesday: 15:30 – 17:30 WIB
- Thursday: 15:30 – 17:30 WIB
- Saturday: 11:00 – 13:00 WIB
5. dr. Emerson Budiarman Masli, Sp.B. Subsp. BD(K)
dr. Emerson Budiarman Masli is a digestive surgeon who treats gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, liver cancer, and colon cancer. He is also active in professional organizations such as the Indonesian Medical Association and the Indonesian Surgeons Association.
Schedule:
- Monday: 10:00 – 13:00 WIB
- Wednesday: 10:00 – 13:00 WIB
6. dr. Ocsyavina, Sp.B. Subsp.BD (K)
dr. Ocsyavina is a digestive surgery specialist with expertise in endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy. She also provides consultations for digestive surgery cases.
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday: 16:00 – 18:00 WIB
- Saturday: 10:00 – 12:00 WIB
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