Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a painful inflammatory disease affecting the exocrine and endocrine pancreas. Pancreatic failure may ultimately supervene, along with complications involving the surrounding viscera and vasculature. Alcohol remains the commonest aetiology although there are many other causes, including toxins, structural abnormalities, autoimmune inflammation and genetic predisposition. This contribution reviews the diagnosis and management of this demanding and challenging disease, which is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality.