Analgesic Management of Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Abdominal pain is the most prevalent symptom of chronic pancreatitis and, when inadequately controlled, it leads to impaired quality of life across physical, psychological, and social domains, along with increased healthcare utilization and reduced life expectancy. Effective pain control remains challenging due to the multifactorial and complex etiology of pain, yet it is essential for improving patient outcomes. An accurate pain assessment using validated clinical tools is a critical first step toward optimizing management. Effective treatment often requires a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach that integrates lifestyle modifications, including smoking and alcohol cessation, with stepwise pharmacologic therapy. For patients with refractory pain, surgical and endoscopic interventions are viable treatment options. This review provides a comprehensive overview of non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical strategies for managing painful chronic pancreatitis, emphasizing evidence-based approaches that improve patient outcomes.