Pancreatic stones

Pancreatic stones, also known as pancreatolithiasis or pancreatic calculi (PC), are hardened digestive fluids that form within the pancreatic duct. These stones are a consequence of chronic pancreatitis, a condition characterized by long-term inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. Pancreatic stones can block the pancreatic duct, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Symptoms of Pancreatic Stones

Symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and number of stones, but commonly include :-

• Severe abdominal pain, often in the upper abdomen and potentially radiating to the back or chest.

• Nausea and vomiting due to blocked digestive enzymes.

• Difficulty digesting food and unexplained weight loss due to poor nutrient absorption.

• Fatty stools (steatorrhea), which are oily and greasy, indicating poor fat digestion.

• Fever and chills if an infection develops in the pancreas.

• Jaundice, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing pancreatic stones, including: 

• Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation of the pancreas is the primary cause.

• Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking: These habits can lead to chronic inflammation and stone formation.

• Gallstones: Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, contributing to inflammation and stone formation.

• Other risk factors include high levels of triglycerides or calcium in the blood, certain genetic disorders or inherited diseases, pancreatic cancer or infections in the pancreas, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Diagnosis of Pancreatic Stones

Doctors use a combination of methods to diagnose pancreatic stones, including imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI/MRCP, and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) to visualize the stones and any blockages. Other diagnostic methods include Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), blood tests to check for inflammation, and stool tests to look for fat malabsorption.

Treatment at Anitya Ayurveda :-

🔎 Addressing the Root Cause – Through detailed history taking and personalized assessment to understand the underlying imbalance.

⚖️ Balancing the Doshas with Medications & Panchakarma – Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma therapies help dissolve the stone, stop its growth, reduce its size, prevent complications, and restore a healthy, functional pancreas.

🌱 Dietary & Lifestyle Changes – Tailored Ayurvedic diet plans and lifestyle modifications to support long-term healing and overall well-being.

Complications

If left untreated, pancreatic stones can lead to serious complications, including pancreatitis, pancreatic duct obstruction, diabetes, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic pseudocysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, can also develop due to blockages.