Endotherapy for chronic pancreatitis: advantages and limitations

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is pathologically characterized by fibrosis of pancreatic parenchyma. Treatment of CP is to alleviate pain and preserve pancreatic endo-/exo-crine function. Endotherapy, as a micro-invasive method, has been testified to be efficient and safe for pancreatic duct stones and stenosis, pancreatic pseudocyst and common bile duct stenosis secondary to CP. It has partially replaced the role of surgery in CP therapy. Whether endoscopic or surgical treatment has its limitations, CP treatment needs medicine, surgery, endoscopy, anesthesia, nutrition and other disciplines together to develop the best solution to improve the quality of life.