Pancreatitis affects every patient differently. While a first-time mild swelling can settle with a few days of hospital IV fluids and rest, severe flare-ups with tissue damage or long-term stone blockage need dedicated surgical gastroenterology care. Our core philosophy is simple: protect your vital organs, relieve your pain, and avoid harsh open cuts whenever gentle keyhole methods can do the job.
Sudden Pancreatitis (Acute): The Gentle 3-Step Treatment Pathway
In severe acute attacks, the intense inflammation can temporarily cut off blood flow to parts of the pancreas, leading to trapped fluid or damaged tissue (necrosis). If bacteria enter this fluid, an infection can develop.
Rather than rushing into major, traumatic open surgery, Dr. Naresh Gabani follows the internationally proven Step-Up Pathway:
- 1. Early IV Hydration & ICU Organ Protection: Plenty of intravenous fluids in the first 24 to 48 hours protect your kidneys, lungs, and heart, giving the pancreas the time it needs to calm down.
- 2. Gentle Ultrasound/CT-Guided Drainage (No Incisions): If infected fluid collects around the pancreas, we place a hair-thin tube guided by scans. This washes away infected fluid gently without any surgical cut, allowing many patients to stabilize completely.
- 3. Minimally Invasive Keyhole Cleaning (Only If Needed): If damaged tissue remains infected, we enter through a tiny keyhole in the side of your back (flank) to clear out dead tissue—protecting your front abdominal organs and ensuring rapid healing.
- 4. Gallbladder Stone Removal Before Going Home: In over 50% of patients, the attack was triggered by a gallstone slipping down the bile duct. We remove the gallbladder using standard laparoscopy (keyhole) before discharge so an attack never happens again.
Long-Term Pancreatitis & Stones: Frey’s Procedure for Permanent Pain Relief
When pancreatitis happens repeatedly over months or years, it creates permanent scar tissue and hard calcium stones that block the narrow pancreas drainage pipe. Patients suffer from daily burning pain, difficulty eating oily foods, and severe weight loss.
The Frey Procedure is the gold-standard surgery because it preserves your healthy gland. Rather than removing the whole organ, Dr. Gabani cores out the painful stones in the head of the pancreas and opens up the blocked drainage pipe from head to tail, connecting it directly to your intestine.
Why Frey’s Surgery Brings Lasting Relief:
- Over 85% to 90% Pain Relief: Relieves the intense internal pressure of trapped juices and removes hard, rubbing stones.
- Protects Natural Insulin: Keeps your healthy insulin-producing cells intact, dramatically reducing the risk of post-surgery diabetes.
- Stops Painkiller Dependency: Patients can finally stop taking daily addictive painkillers and return to active family life.
- Restores Appetite & Weight: Combined with taking digestive enzyme capsules (Creon) with meals, patients regain their normal weight and strength.