Pancreatic Stone or Kidney Stone? Pain in Abdomen – Still Unsure??
More than half the population in India assume they have kidney stones on encountering severe pain in the abdomen region.
It is so because in India, the chances of developing kidney stones are higher than having pancreatic stones.
In chronic pancreatitis, stones are detected in the pancreas, and the prevalence in India is 20-125 per 100,000 individuals.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5507364/
People suffering from pancreatic stones often have severe pain in the upper abdomen region, in kidney stones, the pain in the lower abdomen region. This is the key difference between them and is one of the main pancreatic stone symptoms.
The symptoms of pancreatic stones are not to be ignored, and one must consult the best gastroenterologist for effective treatment of pancreatic stones.
Who should read this article:
- Individuals experiencing abdominal pain or related symptoms
- Patients already diagnosed with pancreatic stones
- People are confusing pancreatic stones with kidney stones
- Anyone seeking awareness of the condition related to Pancreatic Stones
Location of the Pancreatic Stones
Pancreatic Stone Development Area 1
Pancreatic stones are developed in the main pancreatic duct, also known as Wirsung’s duct, and is the most common site of development.
The stones in the pancreas are formed due to the precipitation of calcium salts and protein plugs in the duct. These stones can block the flow of pancreatic juice, which leads to increased pressure and pain.
Pancreatic Stone Development Area 2
The other region where the pancreatic stones develop is Branch (secondary) Pancreatic Ducts.
Here, smaller stones are developed in the side branches of the ductal system, which is usually observed in advanced stages, and in cases where the condition is long ignored.
Pancreatic Stone Development Area 3
The third region where the pancreatic stones are diagnosed is the Parenchyma of the Pancreas (pancreatic tissue itself).
In this condition, it is found rarely that the stones are embedded within the pancreatic tissue. This condition, if unchecked, may lead to structural damage, fibrosis, and can also cause dysfunction of the pancreas.
What most gastroenterologists worry about is the development of Chronic Pancreatitis. If the symptoms of pancreatic stones are not taken care of in time, it may lead to chronic pancreatitis.
In this condition, the ductal system is damaged due to repeated inflammation and the pancreatic juice composition is altered. Hence, it is important to consult the best gastroenterologist for pancreatic stone treatment once the pancreatic stone symptoms are identified.
Pancreatic Stone Symptoms
Pancreatic stones are a condition that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt the normal functioning of the pancreas.
These stones, often linked to chronic pancreatitis, form when substances like calcium carbonate solidify in the pancreatic ducts. Understanding pancreatic stone symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms of Pancreatic Stones
When pancreatic stones obstruct the ducts that connect the pancreas to the small intestine, they can lead to various symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs:
Severe Abdominal Pain
The most prominent symptom is intense pain in the upper abdomen. This pain may radiate to your back, chest, or even shoulders. It can be constant or intermittent, often worsening after meals.
Nausea and Vomiting
Many individuals experience nausea and vomiting during flare-ups caused by pancreatic stones. These symptoms can make eating and digestion difficult.
Fever and Chills
Fever accompanied by chills may occur due to inflammation or infection in the pancreas caused by the blockage.
Digestive Issues
Obstruction in the pancreatic ducts can lead to poor digestion, oily stools, or diarrhea due to insufficient enzyme flow into the intestines.
Jaundice
In rare cases, jaundice may develop, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. This happens when bile flow is obstructed alongside the pancreatic ducts.
Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing Difficulties
Severe cases might lead to a fast heart rate (tachycardia) or shortness of breath due to complications like infection or inflammation.
Why Do Pancreatic Stones Develop?
The pancreatic stones are often tied to chronic pancreatitis, which damages the pancreas over time. Some contributing factors include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Genetic predisposition or autoimmune disorders
- Gallstones that block pancreatic ducts
Gallstones are a particularly common cause, leading to a condition called gallstone pancreatitis, where stones from the gallbladder obstruct enzyme flow in both bile and pancreatic ducts.
Pancreatic Stone Treatment: Simple and Effective Solutions
Pancreatic stones can cause significant discomfort and complications, but the good news is that there are effective ways to treat them.
These stones form in the pancreatic ducts, often due to chronic pancreatitis, and can block the flow of digestive enzymes, leading to pain and other symptoms. Let’s explore the different options for pancreatic stone treatment in simple terms.
Treatment Options for Pancreatic Stones
Endoscopic Procedures
Endoscopic treatments are minimally invasive and highly effective for removing pancreatic stones. The most common method is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this procedure:
- A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to reach the pancreatic duct.
- Stones are removed using special tools or broken into smaller pieces for easier extraction.
This approach is often combined with a technique called sphincterotomy, which widens the duct opening to facilitate stone removal.
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy is another popular option for pancreatic stone treatment. It uses shock waves to break large stones into smaller fragments:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive method targets stones externally using shockwaves.
Once fragmented, the smaller pieces can be removed through ERCP or passed naturally.
Lithotripsy is ideal for patients who cannot undergo surgery or have larger stones that are difficult to remove directly.
Surgery
For severe cases where endoscopic methods fail, surgery may be necessary:
Pancreaticojejunostomy: This procedure creates a bypass for pancreatic fluids, relieving pressure caused by stones.
Pancreatic Resection: In rare cases, part of the pancreas may be surgically removed along with the stones.
Surgery is typically reserved for complex situations but offers long-term relief when other treatments are ineffective.
Supportive Care
While removing the stones is essential, supportive care plays a big role in recovery:
Pain Management: Medications help control pain during flare-ups.
Dietary Changes: A low-fat diet reduces strain on the pancreas and improves digestion.
Enzyme Supplements: These help your body digest food properly if your pancreas isn’t producing enough enzymes.
Identifying the symptoms of pancreatic stones and seeking timely treatment is the best way to manage pancreatic stones.
Nowadays, there are advanced treatment procedures with effective diagnosis methods to detect and treat pancreatic stones. You need to act early before the condition worsens and leads to chronic pancreatitis.
If you’re experiencing severe upper abdomen pain, it could be pancreatic stone, Immediately consult the best gastroenterologist, Dr. Vikas Singla, for effective treatment of pancreatic stones in Delhi.
FAQs
What are pancreatic stones?
Pancreatic stones are hardened deposits (calcium, cholesterol) that form in the pancreas ducts, blocking enzyme flow and causing pain or inflammation.
What causes pancreatic stones?
They’re linked to chronic pancreatitis, alcohol use, gallstones, or genetic factors. Calcium buildup in pancreatic juices is the primary trigger.
What are the symptoms of pancreatic stones?
Severe upper abdominal pain (radiating to the back), nausea, vomiting, fatty stools, weight loss, and jaundice in rare cases.
How are pancreatic stones treated?
Treatment includes ERCP (endoscopic removal), lithotripsy (shock waves to break stones), surgery for severe cases, and enzyme supplements.
Can pancreatic stones lead to diabetes?
Yes. Chronic stones damage insulin-producing cells, increasing diabetes risk.